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Presented   by  TtO-^.  C.T^  .  SranoC^n^Tl.l^ 


BV  1200  .W5  1911  c.l 
Wilson,  William  Bender,  1839 

-1919. 
History  of  the  Pennsylvania 


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History 


'->.■•.■•  L  i..--'J 


OF 


The  Pennsylvania  Railroad 

Department 

OF  THE 

Young  Men's  Christian  Association 

OF 

PHILADELPHIA 
WILLIAM  BENDER  WILSON 

Author  of  "The  History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,"  etc.,  etc. 


STEPHEN  GREENE  COMPANY,  PRINTERS 
PHILADELPHIA 


1911 


Copyright,  1911,  by  William  Bender  Wilson. 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PAGE 

The  Main  Building Frontispiece 

Building  116  North  Thirty-fourth  Street 9 

"         3607  Haverford  Street 13 

Portrait  of  J.  A.  Keesberry 15 

"  Charles  G.  Cadwallader 31 

"  George  H.  Grone 33 

"  William  J.  Latta 45 

"  Daniel  W.  Freas 51 

Laying  of  the  Corner-Stone 53 

Portrait  of  George  B.  Roberts 63 

"  Rev.  Charles  R.  Erdman 67 

A  Committeemen's  Tea 95 

Library  View..... 97 

Portrait  of  W.  N.  Multer 101 

Woman's  Auxiliary 107 

Portrait  of  George  C.  Bartlett,  Jr 119 

"  Samuel  J.  McConaughy. 121 

"  Charles  R.  Towson 131 

First  Beach  Camp  of  Boys 133 

Portrait  of  Frank  Thomson 145 

"  William  A.  Patton 149 

International  Secretaries 155 

The  Auditorium 161 

Portrait  of  Charles  E.  Pugh 163 

"  John  P.  Green 169 

Delegates  to  International  Conference 187 

The  John  Linn  Patton  Cottage  at  D wight  Farms 197 

Portrait  of  Walter  C.  Douglas 199 

The  Annex... 201 

Athletic  Field 203 

The  Seashore  House 205 

Portrait  of  Grover  Cleveland 207 

"  Alexander  J.  Cassatt 217 

"  James  McCrea 227 

William  Bender  Wilson 257 


u 
a 


u 

u  ti 


PREFACE 


Twenty-three  years  ago  the  second,  and  as  it  proved  to  be  a 
successful,  effort  was  made  to  organize  a  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Department  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadel- 
phia for  the  betterment  of  railroad  men  along  physical,  intellectual, 
social  and  spiritual  lines.  The  results  show  the  wisdom  of  the  move- 
ment. Men  of  all  grades  in  the  service  are  vastly  advanced  along 
those  lines;  and  the  public  as  well  as  the  Company  have  been  the 
beneficiaries.  The  work  of  the  Department  has  been  carried  on  by 
men,  women  and  youths  in  the  employ  of  the  Company,  or  dependent 
upon  employes,  encouraged  and  assisted  by  the  corporate,  executive 
and  administrative  officials  both  in  their  official  and  personal  rela- 
tions to  society.  These  years  of  persistent,  consistent,  honest 
endeavor  have  shown  such  a  personal  and  civic  advancement  that 
it  is  deemed  advisable  that  an  epitome  of  the  history  of  the  Depart- 
ment be  compiled  as  an  evidence  that  the  work  has  not  been  in  vain. 
There  is  a  deep-rooted  popular  prejudice  that  a  railroad  corporation 
is  soulless  and  cannot  occupy  a  place  in  the  moral  and  intellectual 
advancement  of  society  by  reason  of  the  fact  that  it  is  in  law  a  ficti- 
tious person.  No  greater  error  can  exist  in  the  mind  of  man  than 
is  embraced  in  that  prejudice;  any  mind  desiring  to  clear  itself  will 
by  seeking  truth  find  that  whilst  the  legal  definition  will  apply  to  the 
corporation  per  se,  it  does  not  apply  to  the  administration  of  cor- 
porate affairs,  which  is  conducted  by  real,  active,  feeling,  intelligent 
persons  of  the  same  flesh,  blood,  sinews,  nerves  and  souls  as  are  pos- 
sessed by  all  other  human  beings,  and  that  they  do  not  deviate 
from  the  straight  path  any  more,  if  as  much,  as  other  real  persons 
in  any  other  line  of  human  endeavor.  This  compilation  will  show 
that  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  and  its  employes  do 
work  in  the  direction  of  a  better  and  higher  civilization,  and  that 
the  results  of  their  work  compare  favorably  with  the  work  of  any 
other  class  of  people  aimed  to  achieve  the  same  desired  results. 
This  narrative  does  not  make  prominent  specific  doings  of  individ- 
uals, nor  yet  emphasize  any  one  or  more  of  the  specific  activities  of 
the  Department,  howsoever  meritorious  they  might  be,  but  it  does 


outline  the  progress  of  a  movement  to  do  honor  to  mankind  by- 
aiding  in  the  appUcation  of  the  principles  of  Christianity  to  the 
everyday  work  of  life.  A  few  persons  are  named  out  of  the  many 
thousands  who  have  been  actively  engaged  in  the  Department, 
not  because  they  are  entitled  to  specific  mention  above  and  beyond 
their  fellow-workers,  but  on  account  of  their  being  typical  of  the 
movement  itself. 

WILLIAM  BENDER  WILSON. 

HOLMESBURG,  PhII^ADEI/PHIA, 

January  1,  1910. 


A  HISTORICAL  SKETCH 

OF 

THE  PENNSYLVANIA  RAILROAD  DEPARTMENT 

OF 

THE  YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION 

OF 

PHILADELPHIA,  PENNSYLVANIA 

BY 
WILLIAM  BENDER  WILSON 


The  attempts  of  railroad  managers  to  elevate  the  standard  of 
their  employes  were  co-existent  with  the  introduction  of  railroads 
as  a  means  of  transportation.  Upon  the  railroads  supplanting 
turnpike  roads  and  canals  as  transportation  lines  there  arose  a 
demand  for  proper  and  efi&cient  men  to  operate  them.  The  field 
for  selection  had  yet  to  be  discovered.  Boatmen,  stage-drivers, 
teamsters  and  hostlers  accustomed  to  the  free,  easy  and  unrestrained 
manners  and  customs  of  the  turnpike  roads  and  canals  were  the 
first  class  from  which  railroad  employes  had  to  be  recruited.  They 
had  not  been  educated  up  to  the  requirements  of  a  higher  and  more 
rapid  popular  service,  and  could  only  supply  but  a  small  part  of 
the  demand.  The  new  departure  in  transportation  seemed  to  open 
a  field  where  wealth  could  be  acquired  with  the  least  exertion  and 
the  seeker  live  a  life  spiced  with  variety  and  excitement.  In  conse- 
quence, like  at  the  opening  of  new  mineral  fields,  the  adventurous 
of  all  classes  sought  for  and  found  employment  on  the  railroads, 
and  brought  to  that  service  an  incongruous  mass  of  men,  with  little 
efiiciency  for  the  work,  less  comprehension  of  its  requirements  and 
a  low  standard  of  morality. 

The  Philadelphia  &  Columbia  Railroad,  now  part  of  the  Phila- 
delphia Division  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  and  constructed 
by  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  was  completed  early  in 
1834.  In  commencing  operations  the  customs  of  the  turnpike 
roads,   which  allowed   the   stagecoaches   to   stop   at  every  tavern 


en  route  between  terminals  for  the  purpose  of  allowing  passengers 
to  refresh  themselves,  were  observed  in  the  train  movements  over 
that  road.  The  trains  stopped  at  the  taverns,  which  were  the  only 
stations  along  the  line  of  the  road,  and  the  engineers,  firemen,  con- 
ductors, brakemen  and  passengers  hastened  to  the  barrooms  to 
procure  liquor,  the  train  being  held  awaiting  the  appeasement  of 
the  thirst  of  all.  Intoxication  of  employes  was  frequent,  and  the 
working  of  the  line  became  so  irregular  that  a  rapid  demoralization 
of  the  service  became  so  imminent  that  at  the  close  of  1834  the 
Board  of  Canal  Commissioners,  having  jurisdiction  over  the  rail- 
road, seeing  the  necessity  for  providing  moral  restraint  for  the  men 
who  had  in  their  hands  the  active  movement  and  working  of  the 
various  trains,  adopted  rules  for  their  government.  It  was  the  in- 
itial movement  looking  forward  toward  the  moral,  physical  and 
intellectual  advancement  of  the  men  engaged  in  the  railroad  service. 
These  rules  were  more  or  less  penalizing  in  character,  in  keeping 
with  the  prevailing  thought  of  the  day  that  dread  of  punishment 
would  prove  the  surest  way  to  lead  men  away  from  the  pathways 
of  wrong  doing  and  into  the  roads  of  right  living.  But  as  Christ's 
doctrine  of  love  grew  into  the  minds  and  hearts  of  men,  a  clearer 
conception  was  had  of  man's  duty  to  man,  and  other  means  for 
advancing  the  standard  of  men  were  sought ;  and  from  time  to  time, 
as  railroad  development  advanced,  efforts  were  made  to  obtain  a 
higher  standard  of  government.  These  efforts,  at  times  systematic, 
were  mostly  erratic,  and  did  not  meet  the  expectations  of  those  who 
made  them.  Individual  happiness  was  not  understood,  and  indi- 
vidual pleasure  was  misinterpreted  as  being  its  source.  Picnics, 
balls,  entertainments,  concerts,  reading-rooms,  bunk-rooms,  ath- 
letic sports  and  social  clubs  for  railroad  men  exclusively  were  pro- 
moted, but  with  unsatisfactory  results.  The  element  necessary 
to  hold  organization  together  and  develop  it  into  a  successful  and 
permanent  institution  was  absent.  Organization  of  railroad  men, 
like  that  for  any  other  class  of  men,  for  the  betterment  of  their  con- 
dition demanded  suitable  and  proper  supervision,  and  after  "club- 
ism"  demonstrated  that  it  could  not  provide  them,  supervision  of 
the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  presented  itself  as  the  solution 
of  the  problem,  and  it  was  appealed  to.  The  result  was  that  in 
the  fall  of  1872  the  first  railroad  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
was  opened  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  but  it  was  not  until  1875  that  the 
National  Convention  at  Richmond  instructed  the  International 
Committee  to  put  a  visiting  Railroad  Secretary  in  the  field.     It 

8 


THE  FIRST  HOME  OF  THE  DEPARTMENT,  AT  1 16  NORTH  THIRTY-FOURTH  STREET. 


appears  that  the  Secretary  was  subsequently  withdrawn  or  became 
inactive  for  financial  reasons,  for  in  the  winter  of  1876-77  Thomas 
A.  Scott,  then  President  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company, 
joined  with  William  H.  Vanderbilt,  John  W.  Garrett,  Cornelius 
Vanderbilt  and  Morris  K.  Jessup  in  supplying  the  funds  to  enable 
the  International  Committee  to  employ  a  man  to  resume  the  work 
of  promoting  Railroad  Departments  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association. 

Following  close  upon  Mr.  Scott's  subscription,  efforts  to  estab- 
lish a  Pennsylvania  Railroad  branch  of  the  Association  culminated 
in  a  meeting  at  the  residence  of  William  W.  Wimer,  116  North 
Thirty-fourth  Street,  on  May  1,  1877,  at  which  time  an  organization 
was  effected  by  Mr.  Ingersoll,  the  then  General  Railroad  Secretary 
of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  Prior  to  the  meeting, 
invitations  to  attend  were  circulated  in  the  shops,  warehouses  and 
the  general  offices,  in  response  to  which  representatives  of  the  dif- 
ferent departments  attended.  The  meeting  was  quite  enthusiastic; 
a  Constitution  and  By-Laws  were  adopted  and  the  following  organi- 
zation effected: 

Pennsylvania  Railroad   Branch  of  the  Young  Men's  Chris- 
tian Association  of  Philadelphia,  May  1,  1877. 

Organization. 

William  W.  Wimer President. 

W.  C.  De  Armond.._ Vice-President. 

E.  W.  SmiTherman Corresponding  Secretary. 

Joseph  W.  PullEn Recording  Secretary. 

J.  R.  G.  Marshall Treasurer. 

Thomas  L.  Van  Houten... Assistant  Treasurer. 

Finance  Committee. 
S.  H.  DOCKENDORF,  Chairman. 

Christian  Work. 
C.  W.  HassELL,  Chairman. 
Membership. 
Charles  T.  Van  Houten,  Chairman. 
Visitation  of  Sick. 
John  E.  Miller,  Chairman. 
Rooms  and  Library. 
G.  H.  Wood,  Chairman. 
Reception  and  Entertainment. 
George  Barton,  Chairman. 

9 


Yates  Hickey  was  subsequently  elected  General  Secretary  and 
issued  the  following  circular: 

Pennsylvania  Railroad  Branch  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  of  Philadelphia. 

All  employes  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  are  cordially  invited 
to  join  this  Association.    (See  the  Constitution.) 

The  General  Secretary  desires  to  know,  personally  and  socially, 
as  far  as  possible,  all  railroad  men  and  their  families,  and  especially 
wishes  to  be  informed  at  once  of  every  case  of  severe  sickness  or 
injury  to  any  railroad  man  or  member  of  his  family,  within  the  sphere 
of  this  Association,  and  to  be  called  upon,  in  common  with  members 
of  the  "Committee  on  Visitation  of  the  Sick,"  for  such  personal 
service  in  each  case  as  belongs  to  Christian  love  and  fellowship. 

John  K.  Miller, 
Chairman  of  Committee  on  Visitation  oj  Sick, 
P.  R.  R.  Roundhouse. 
Yates  Hickey, 

General  Secretary, 

30  North  Thirtieth  Street. 

Several  meetings  were  held  whereat  it  was  planned  to  erect  a 
building  at  the  corner  of  Thirty-first  and  Spring  Garden  Streets 
for  the  meetings  of  the  branch  and  the  entertainment  of  railroad 
men,  that  locality  being  near  the  roundhouse  and  the  yard  as  they 
were  then  located.  A  petition  was  presented  to  the  Board  of  Direc- 
tors of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  asking  for  assistance 
in  procuring  quarters.  The  Board  appointed  Messrs.  Wistar  Morris 
and  N.  Parker  Shortridge  as  a  committee  to  confer  upon  the  subject 
with  the  officers  of  the  branch.  After  several  interviews  the  com- 
mittee reported  to  the  Board  in  favor  of  supplying  a  building,  and 
William  H.  Brown,  Chief  Engineer,  was  instructed  to  prepare  plans 
and  specifications  for  a  suitable  structure.  Owing,  however,  to  the 
want  of  a  person  to  give  his  entire  time  to  the  movement,  the  interest 
lagged  and  in  a  short  time  the  Association  was  disbanded. 

Resumption  of  Efforts. 

It  was  not  until  1886  that  the  subject  was  revived  and  plans 
set  on  foot  which  laid  the  foundations  for  a  successful  organization- 

At  that  time  the  principles  of  branch  work  in  large  cities  were 
rooting  themselves  deeply  in  the  hearts  of  the  Directors  and  General 

lO 


Secretaries  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  The  work 
of  the  Association  was  thought  to  be  adapted  to  all  classes  of  young 
men,  and  would  be  productive  of  the  best  results  if  branch  work 
was  classified.  Experience  had  demonstrated  that  the  work  of  the 
Association  developed  more  rapidly  when  supervision  was  located 
nearest  to  groups  or  classes  of  men;  hence,  after  consideration  of 
the  subject  on  the  part  of  the  Directors  of  the  Young  Men's  Chris- 
tian Association  of  Philadelphia,  the  State  Committee  was  requested 
to  send  one  of  their  Secretaries  to  Philadelphia  to  canvass  the  rail- 
road situation  and  report  conditions.  In  compliance  with  that 
request,  Mr.  W.  A.  Bowen,  Assistant  State  Secretary  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, came  to  Philadelphia,  and  in  looking  over  the  field  and  find- 
ing that  the  majority  of  Pennsylvania  Railroad  men's  homes  were 
located  west  of  the  Schuylkill  River,  began  his  work  in  West  Phila- 
delphia by  calling  upon  the  pastors  of  the  several  churches  located 
in  that  section  of  the  city,  and  secured  from  them  not  only  their 
encouragement  but  a  list  of  names  of  railroad  men  who  were  mem- 
bers of  their  churches  and  interested  in  Christian  work.  With  the 
list  as  his  guide  Mr.  Bowen  visited  the  men  whose  names  were  upon 
it,  and  foimd  them  in  sympathy  with  the  movement  and  willing 
to  join  in  it;  whereupon  he  called  a  meeting  for  consideration  of 
the  subject.  That  meeting  was  held  in  the  lecture-room  of  Christ 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  corner  Thirty-eighth  and  Spring  Garden 
Streets,  on  the  evening  of  November  11,  1886.  The  following  rail- 
road men  were  present:  Deloss  Everett,  William  Conk,  Alfred  Mc- 
Minn,  J.  A.  Keesberry  and  Harry  W.  Hoot.  Mr.  Bowen  was  also 
present,  and  David  McConaughy,  Jr.,  General  Secretary  of  the 
Philadelphia  Association,  who  presided.  After  thoroughly  discuss- 
ing a  special  line  of  religious  work  for  railroad  men,  the  meeting 
adjourned  to  meet  again  in  the  Powelton  Avenue  Baptist  Church 
on  the  evening  of  November  15,  1886.  At  the  adjourned  meeting 
there  were  present  nine  railroad  men,  namely:  those  just  mentioned 
and  Carver  McMinn,  James  Caum,  J.  M.  Hodge  and  J.  S.  Stack- 
house;  W.  A.  Bowen  presided,  and  J.  A.  Keesberry  chosen  Secre- 
tary. Upon  consideration  of  the  question  of  organization,  it  was 
decided  to  organize  a  branch  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation of  Philadelphia  to  be  called  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Department  and  to  be  located  in  West  Philadelphia.  A  committee 
was  appointed  to  visit  the  officers  of  the  Association,  apply  for 
reception  as  a  branch,  confer  about  organization  and  request  a 
form  of  by-laws  for  the  government  of  the  Department.    The  next 


II 


meeting  was  held  on  the  evening  of  November  18,  1886,  in  the  Eman- 
uel Reformed  Church,  corner  of  Thirty-eighth  and  Baring  Streets. 
Eight  railroad  men  were  present.  The  committee  appointed  at  the 
preceding  meeting  reported  that  the  appHcation  for  admission  as  a 
branch  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  had  been  acted 
upon  by  the  Directors  of  that  body  and  the  petition  granted;  they 
also  presented  a  form  of  by-laws  for  the  government  of  the  Depart- 
ment which  had  been  prepared  by  the  officers  of  the  Association. 
The  by-laws  were  adopted,  thus  practically  effecting  the  framework 
for  the  organization  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department  of 
the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia  with  nineteen 
members. 

The  work  of  the  Department  was  begun  by  holding  Sunday 
meetings  in  the  different  churches  to  the  end  that  public  sympathy 
and  aid  might  be  secured  and  the  attention  of  the  railroad  men 
generally  called  to  the  organization.  The  first  of  the  Sunday  meet- 
ings was  held  on  the  evening  of  November  21,  1886,  in  the  Grace 
Lutheran  Church,  corner  of  Thirty-fifth  and  Spring  Garden  Streets. 
The  meeting  was  conducted  by  railroad  men,  forty  of  whom  were 
present.    Ten  new  applications  for  membership  were  presented. 

The  second  Sunday  meeting  was  held  in  the  Centenary  Methodist 
Church,  corner  of  Forty-first  and  Spring  Garden  Streets,  on  the 
evening  of  November  28,  1886.  Thirty-six  railroad  men  were  present 
and  seven  new  names  were  added.  The  work  was  growing  slowly 
but  not  discouragingly. 


THE  YEAR  1887. 

From  November  28,  1886,  to  January  23,  1887,  meetings  were 
not  held  owing  to  extra  services  in  the  churches  incident  to  the 
Christmas  holidays  intervening;  the  committee  in  charge,  however, 
secured  the  temporary  use  of  a  dwelling-house  at  118  North  Thirty- 
second  Street,  in  which,  from  January  23  to  February  20,  1887, 
they  held  Sunday  afternoon  services;  from  the  latter  date  until 
April  17,  the  services  were  held  in  the  homes  of  railroad  men  in 
West  Philadelphia.  Early  in  March,  1887,  the  parent  Association 
appointed  J.  A.  Keesberry,  Charles  G.  Cadwallader,  James  S.  Stack- 
house,  Deloss  Everett,  W.  H.  Barron,  John  Hait,  Charles  Knapp, 
Alfred  McMinn,  James  M.  Hodge,  J.  L.  McClellan,  Justus  Law, 
Theodore  A.  Myers,  James  Caum  and  Reese  L.  Hannum,  all  Penn- 
sylvania  Railroad   men   and   churchmembers,    as   a   Committee   of 

12 


THE  SECOND  HOME  OF  THE  DEPARTMENT.  AT  3607  HAVERFORD  STREET. 


Management  for  the  Department,  They  were  divided  as  to  denom- 
inations as  follows:  Methodist  5;  Presbyterian,  4;  Baptist,  2;  Episco- 
palian, 1;  Lutheran,  1;  Christian  Church,  1.  This  committee  held 
its  first  meeting  on  Monday  afternoon,  March  14,  1887,  and  organ- 
ized by  electing  the  following  officers : 

J.  A.  KeESBErry,  Chairman. 
Chas.  G.  Cadwallader,  Vice-Chairman. 
John  Hait,  Recording  Secretary. 
James  M.  Hodge,  Treasurer. 

At  the  time  when  the  parent  Association  appointed  the  Com- 
mittee of  Management  it  announced  the  appointment  of  the  follow- 
ing officials  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  as  an  Advisory  Com- 
mittee: 

N.  Parker  ShortridgE,  Director. 

WisTAR  Morris,  Director. 

Henry  D.  Welsh,  Director. 

J.  N.  Du  Barry,  Third  Vice-President. 

John  C.  Sims,  Secretary. 

Robert  W.  Smith,  Treasurer. 

John  Scott,  General  Solicitor. 

Stephen  W.  White,  Secretary,  N.  C.  Ry. 

Robert  Craven,  Secretary-Treasurer,  P.,  B.  &  W.  R.  R. 

Charles  E.  Pugh,  General  Manager. 

William  J.  Latta,  General  Agent. 

The  Committee  of  Management  held  a  meeting  at  Fifteenth  and 
Chestnut  Streets,  Monday  afternoon,  March  28,  1887,  elected  Mr. 
Charles  E.  Cole  General  Secretary,  decided  to  secure  a  permanent 
home,  and  appointed  a  committee  to  inspect  the  building  at  3607 
Haverford  Street,  and  empowered  it  to  make  a  lease  if  the  building 
was  found  suitable.  The  committee  being  favorably  impressed 
with  the  location  and  general  condition  of  the  building,  entered  into 
a  lease  of  the  property  from  April  1,  1887,  at  a  monthly  rental  of 
forty-five  dollars.  The  fitting  up  the  house  was  at  once  begun;  con- 
siderable repairs  were  made  and  furniture  installed,  and  in  a  short 
time  the  house  was  ready  for  occupancy.  The  first  meeting  held 
in  it  was  that  of  the  Board  of  Management  on  April  11,  1887,  at 
which  Mr.  H.  B.  Rankin,  a  divinity  student,  was  selected  as  acting 
Secretary  until  such  time  as  Mr.  Cole  could  take  up  the  work,  and 
the  following  committees  appointed  to  carry  on  the  objects  of  the 

13 


Department:  Executive  Committee — James  S.  Stackhouse,  Chair- 
man; J.  A.  Myers,  Reese  L.  Hannum,  James  Caum,  Charles  Knapp; 
Finance — Charles  G.  Cadwallader,  Chairman;  James  S.  Stackhouse, 
J.  M.  Hodge;  Lecture — John  Hait,  W.  H.  Barron,  Deloss  Everett, 
James  Caum,  Alfred  IMcMinn.  On  Sunday,  April  17,  1887,  at  four 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  a  gospel  service  conducted  by  Mr.  David 
McConaghy,  Jr.,  General  Secretary  of  the  Philadelphia  Association, 
was  held.  This  was  the  first  public  meeting  held  at  3607  Haverford 
Street.  It  was  attended  by  only  seventeen  men,  but  the  earnest  and 
fervent  spirit  which  prevailed  was  pronounced,  and  acted  as  a  stim- 
ulus for  greater  effort.  On  Monday  evening,  April  18,  1887,  the 
Board  of  Management  met  and  cordially  welcomed  Mr.  Cole  as  Secre- 
tary of  the  Department.  It  also  selected  Mr.  Rankin  as  Assistant 
Secretary  and  appointed  committees  to  arrange  for  the  formal  opening 
of  the  building,  which  took  place  on  Thursday  evening,  May  19,  1887. 
At  the  opening  a  public  reception  was  held  by  the  Board  of 
Management;  the  house  was  thrown  open  for  inspection,  and  a  pro- 
gramme consisting  of  addresses,  vocal  and  instrumental  music,  reci- 
tations, etc.,  provided.  About  two  hundred  men  connected  with 
the  several  departments  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  were  present. 
The  meeting  was  opened  by  Mr.  Deloss  Everett,  locomotive  engi- 
neer and  Grand  Chaplain  of  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engi- 
neers, in  the  following 

Prayer. 

"Almighty  God,  our  Heavenly  Father,  in  whom  we  live  and 
have  our  being,  we  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  spared  us  to  see  this 
present  occasion;  and  we  pray  thee  to  look  upon  us  in  tender  com- 
passion and  mercy.  Thou  art  our  God;  Thou  art  from  everlasting 
to  everlasting,  from  whom  all  blessings  flow.  As  we  meet  here  to- 
night, as  a  railroad  branch  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association, 
we  pray  thee,  our  Father  and  our  God,  to  look  upon  us  as  thy  chil- 
dren. May  this  enterprise  meet  with  thy  divine  approval,  and  be 
the  means  of  doing  a  great  deal  of  good  to  our  fellow  railroad  men. 
Bless  every  railroad  man  in  this  entire  country,  and,  oh !  hasten  the 
day  when  every  railroad  will  be  united  under  King  Jesus.  We  pray 
thee  particularly  for  the  young  men  in  the  service  of  our  railroads; 
for  those  who  are  thrown  in  the  way  of  vice,  and  sin  and  its  entice- 
ments; O  God  of  mercy,  remember  them.  We  pray  thee  for  the 
influence  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  upon  their  hearts  and  minds,  that  they 
may  walk  in  the  straight  and  narrow  path.    O  God,  bless  our  Associa- 

14 


J.  A.  KEESBERRY, 
Chairman,  1887-1889. 


tion,  and  bless  all  associations  in  this  great  land  that  are  calculated 
to  elevate  and  place  mankind  on  a  high  and  better  standard  of  life. 
We  pray  thee  to  bless  our  own  particular  branch;  may  it  meet  with 
thy  divine  favor;  and  may  every  one  of  us  do  our  duty  in  striving 
to  build  up  this  branch  of  the  Association.  Guide  us  through  life, 
and  at  last,  when  we  have  fulfilled  thy  purposes  on  this  earth, 
save  us  in  that  haven  of  eternal  rest,  through  Christ,  our  Saviour. 
Amen." 


The  Chairman  of  the  Department,  Mr.  J.  A.  Keesberry,  then 
addressed  the  meeting  as  follows : 

"  Friends  and  Fellow  Railroad  Men: — It  is  with  the  greatest 
pleasure  that  I  am  privileged,  on  behalf  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
of  Philadelphia,  to  welcome  you  on  this,  the  occasion  of  opening 
these  rooms,  set  apart  as  they  are  in  the  interests  of  railroad 
men.  It  was  only  a  little  while  ago  that  the  question  of  organ- 
izing a  railroad  association  was  brought  before  a  few  of  the 
employes  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  certain  of  whom,  in  response 
to  a  call,  met  in  the  Christ  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  West 
Philadelphia.  The  meeting  was  but  slimly  attended,  and  no  defi- 
nite action  was  taken  in  the  matter  at  the  time.  Nevertheless, 
not  discouraged  at  the  seeming  failure  of  the  first  effort,  a  second 
call  was  made  for  a  meeting,  which  was  held  in  the  Powelton  Avenue 
Baptist  Church  on  the  week  following,  at  which  a  decided  increase 
in  the  attendance  was  apparent.  At  this  meeting  the  views  of 
those  present  were  fully  and  freely  given.  An  earnest  desire  was 
manifested  for  the  spiritual  good  of  railroad  men  At  this  meeting 
it  was  decided  to  petition  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
of  this  city  to  receive  us  as  a  branch  or  department  of  that  Associa- 
tion, under  the  name  of  the  "Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department 
of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia.  "  Annex- 
ing ourselves  to  the  Central  Association  was  considered,  and  has  since 
proved  to  be,  a  very  wise  move,  and  one  in  the  right  direction.  We 
have  been  greatly  benefited,  and  have  received  much  valuable  aid 
from  the  officers  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  the  Cen- 
tral Association,  to  whom  and  most  especially  to  Mr.  David  McCon- 
aughy,  Jr.,  the  very  worthy  and  efficient  General  Secretary,  who  has 
been  untiring  in  his  efforts  to  further  the  interests  of  our  Department, 

15 


we  return  our  sincere  thanks.  We  have  been  very  much  encouraged 
on  every  hand.  We  have  indeed  received  nothing  but  encourage- 
ment, and  our  hearts  are  made  glad,  seeing  that  the  blessing  is  follow- 
ing the  effort  in  every  direction. 

"We  have  with  us  this  evening  gentlemen  of  the  Board  of 
Directors  and  officers  of  the  great  railroad  system  whose  name  we 
bear,  and  in  whose  service  we  are  proud  to  say  we  are  employed, 
and  we  extend  our  sincere  thanks  to  these  good  gentlemen  for 
the  encouragement  they  have  given  us,  and  for  this  additional 
manifestation  of  the  interest  they  take  in  us  as  their  employes, 
by  their  presence  here.  We  welcome  you,  gentlemen,  we  wel- 
come you. 

"And  now,  fellow  railroad  men,  in  whose  interests  these  rooms 
have  been  set  apart,  most  especially  to  you  do  we  extend  a  cordial 
welcome.  We  invite  you  to  come  with  us ;  we  want  you  to  come ; 
unite  with  us  in  this  work;  bring  to  us  your  aid,  your  sympathy 
and  your  support  in  the  interests  of  those  with  whom  you  labor  day 
by  day.  As  has  been  already  seen  by  most  of  you,  and  probably  all 
of  you,  we  have  fitted  up  here  a  reading-room,  supplied  with  all 
the  leading  dailies,  the  weekly  illustrated  papers,  the  monthly  maga- 
zines, and  railroad,  scientific  and  other  periodicals;  with  a  reception- 
room  where  railroad  men  may  meet  for  social  conversation  or  to 
enjoy  games,  such  as  dominoes,  checkers,  chess  and  crokinole;  with 
an  elegant  library-room,  which  will  soon  be  stocked  with  popular 
works  of  fiction,  history  and  reference;  and  a  bathroom  supplied 
with  all  conveniences.  In  addition  to  these  advantages,  it  is  our 
purpose  to  provide  for  social  meetings,  entertainments,  lectures  and 
talks,  educational  classes  for  the  study  of  different  branches  of  the 
railroad  service,  and,  as  we  have  ability,  such  other  attractions  as  will 
interest,  instruct  and  elevate  railroad  men.  We  have  a  room  set 
apart  for  devotional  exercises,  where,  on  Sunday  afternoons,  and 
at  such  other  times  as  shall  be  thought  advisable,  you  may  come 
and  enjoy  with  us  the  means  of  grace. 

"I  do  not  wish  to  tire  you  with  any  further  remarks,  and  in 
conclusion  I  would  simply  say  that  we  welcome  you  one  and  all 
at  this  our  opening,  and  we  again  ask  you  as  railroad  men  to  come 
and  unite  your  efiforts  with  ours  in  the  furtherance  of  this  object. 
Our  worthy  Secretary,  Mr.  Cole,  is  present  with  us  this  evening, 
and  he  has,  I  believe,  one  or  two  letters  that  he  has  received  from 
officers  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  giving  their  expressions  in 
regard  to  the  matter,  which  I  would  like  you  to  hear." 

i6 


Mr.  Cole  then  read  the  following  letters: 

Altoona,  Pa.,  May  16,  1887. 
Mr.  Charles  E.  Cole, 

General  Secretary  Railroad  Department  Y.  M.  C.  A., 

3607  Haverford  Street,  Philadelphia. 

My  Dear  Sir: 

I  regret  very  much  that  absence  from  the  city,  on  the  west  end 
of  the  line,  will  prevent  my  accepting  your  kind  invitation  to  be 
present  at  the  opening  of  the  rooms  of  your  Association. 

You  have  my  best  wishes  for  your  success. 

Very  truly  yours, 

G.  B.  Roberts. 

Pittsburgh,  May  18,  1887. 
Mr.  J.  A.  Keesberry, 

Chairman  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department 

Young  Men's  Christian  Association, 

Philadelphia,  Pa. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  regret  exceedingly  that  absence  from  the  city,  that  cannot  be 
avoided,  will  prevent  my  being  present  on  Thursday,  the  19th  inst., 
on  the  occasion  of  the  opening  of  the  headquarters  of  your  Associa- 
tion at  3607  Haverford  Street. 

I  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity,  however,  to  say  that  I  am 
in  hearty  sympathy  with  this  movement  and  have  confidence  that 
much  good  will  be  accomplished,  and  that  among  the  many  bene- 
ficial results  that  always  follow  Christian  intercourse,  the  good 
feeling  engendered  and  exchanged  during  the  daily  duties  performed 
in  the  service,  in  which  we  are  all  co-laborers,  will  by  no  means 
be  the  least  prominent. 

I  hope  at  a  very  early  date  to  meet  with  you  and  repeat  the 
visit  at  such  frequent  intervals  as  my  time  will  permit. 

Wishing   the  Association  success  beyond   your  most  sanguine 

expectations,  I  am, 

Yours  truly, 

Chas.  E.  Pugh. 

After  reading  of  those  letters  Mr.  Cole  announced  that  other 
letters  expressive  of  encouragement  had  been  received  from  the 
following  gentlemen:  Cornelius  Vanderbilt,  George  W.  Childs, 
Edmund  Smith,  Frank  Thomson,  John  P.  Green,  D.  S.  Newhall, 
Robert  W.  Smith,  Isaac  Hinckley,  Theo.  N.  Ely,  J.  R.  Wood,  Enoch 

17 


Lewis,  M.  Riebenack,  John  C.  Wilson,  Oden  Bowie,  George  Stephens, 
Robert  Craven,  J.  A.  Anderson,  Holmes  D.  Ely,  H.  F.  Kenney, 
F.  Wolcott  Jackson,  George  C.  Wilkins,  S.  L.  Seymour,  George  A. 
Dadmun,  Joseph  Crawford,  Wilson  Brown,  A.  Mordecai,  A.  P. 
Kirtland,  Thomas  A.  Roberts,  J.  W.  Reynolds,  Alfred  Walter,  L. 
K.  Lodge,  Spencer  Meade,  W.  H.  Gatzmer,  J.  T.  MaHn,  Gen.  W.  H. 
H.  Davis,  B.  B.  Comegys,  T.  B.  Patton,  H.  J.  Aukerman;  Solicitors 
John  Scott,  James  A.  Logan,  Wayne  MacVeagh,  John  Scott,  Jr., 
W.  Jones,  Bernard  Carter,  John  M.  Thompson,  A.  G.  Ward,  George 
W.  Elder,  Henry  D.  Fernandes,  Junkin  &  Junkin,  Wm.  Ward, 
Marchand  &  Gaither,  Atkinson  &  Jacobs  and  D.  Bright  Miller; 
also  from  J.  MacDonough,  President  American  Bank  Company;  J. 
D.  Layng,  General  Manager  West  Shore  Railroad ;  E.  V.  W.  Rossi ter, 
Treasurer  N.  Y.  C.  &  H.  R.  R.  R.;  W.  L.  Squire,  Treasurer  N.  Y., 
N.  H.  &  H.  R.  R.;  C.  M.  Bissell,  Superintendent  H.  R.  Division 
N.  Y.  C.  &  H.  R.  R.  R.;  J.  H.  Phyfe,  Assistant  Division  Superin- 
tendent N.  Y.  C.  &  H.  R.  R.  R.,  and  John  E.  Brewington,  Agent 
West  Shore  Railroad. 

The  Chairman  then  introduced  Mr.  Theodore  Voorhees,  Assistant 
General  Superintendent  of  the  New  York  Central  and  Hudson  River 
Railroad,  who  said: 

"FeivLOW  Railroad  Men: — I  congratulate  you  upon  your  good 
fortune  in  being  here  tonight  and  having  the  opportunity  which  is 
presented  to  you  of  joining  this  movement.  I  congratulate  you 
still  more  upon  the  beautiful  rooms  that  you  have  secured.  I  assure 
you  that  many  of  the  Associations  that  have  been  organized  in 
the  last  ten  years  would  have  looked  forward  to  these  rooms  as 
beyond  their  wildest  dreams.  If  your  success  in  the  future  is  com- 
mensurate with  the  auspicious  opening  that  you  have  here  now, 
I  have  no  doubt  that  your  Association,  as  a  railroad  branch,  will 
in  time  stand  as  far  ahead  of  all  other  railroad  branches  as  the  road 
you  are  proud  to  serve  is  recognized  as  ahead  of  all  other  railroads. 

"It  may  be  that  some  of  you  present  have  but  a  slight  idea  of 
what  a  railroad  branch  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
is  and  how  it  was  started.  So  I  will  say  briefly  that  we  started 
the  first  organization  of  this  kind  in  1872  in  the  Union  Depot  at 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  Mr.  Cobb  was  the  first  Secretary.  He  organ- 
ized the  work  on  the  floor  of  the  depot;  then  in  the  waiting-room. 
He  presented  the  claims  of  that  work  to  the  International  Com- 
mittee at  the  convention  that  was  held  in  the  succeeding  year,  1873, 
and  from  that  time  the  work  as  a  railroad  department  has  been 

i8 


recognized  and  has  steadily  progressed.  We  have  with  us  a  gentle- 
man from  the  International  Committee,  and  I  will  not  trespass  on 
his  province,  but  will  confine  myself  to  the  State  of  New  York. 
There  the  work  was  first  organized  in  the  Grand  Central  Depot  in 
New  York  twelve  years  ago.  The  succeeding  year  a  branch  was 
started  on  the  West  Side  among  the  freight  men  at  Thirtieth  Street, 
and  also  a  branch  at  Oneonta,  one  of  the  small  towns  in  the  State. 
The  work  rapidly  progressed.  Within  a  very  few  years  branches 
were  started  at  Elmira,  Troy,  Buffalo  and  other  cities,  until  at  the 
last  annual  convention  of  the  State  Association,  which  was  held  at 
Utica,  in  February,  we  reported  twenty  railroad  branches  in  the 
State  of  New  York,  with  a  membership  of  4718  railroad  men.  The 
expenditures  of  those  branches  for  the  year  1886  were  $31,500  in 
round  numbers;  of  this  amount  $16,600  was  subscribed  by  the  rail- 
road companies  of  the  State  of  New  York;  about  $7000  by  friends 
of  the  work;  and  $7800,  being  32  per  cent,  of  the  whole,  was  paid 
by  the  railroad  men  themselves.  During  the  year,  not  to  burden 
you  with  statistics,  there  were  29,000  baths  taken  in  the  different 
rooms  of  the  railroad  branches.  The  number  of  volumes  in  the 
libraries  increased  to  almost  8000.  The  number  of  visits  to  sick  and 
injured  employes,  made  by  members  of  the  Committee  on  Visitation 
of  the  Sick  and  by  the  Secretaries,  amounting  to  1700.  The  circu- 
lation of  the  books  in  the  libraries  was  very  largely  increased  during 
the  year.  We  organized  the  system  of  sending  books  out  by  express, 
or  in  baggage  cars,  to  agents  and  employes  along  the  line  of  the  road 
who  could  not  avail  themselves  of  any  other  privileges,  and  the 
membership  was  largely  increased  in  that  way. 

"To  give  you  perhaps  a  more  vivid  idea  of  one  of  the  branches, 
I  will  tell  you  of  the  Association  in  the  city  of  Troy,  with  which  I 
was  connected  from  the  beginning.  The  work  then  was  started 
seven  years  ago,  just  as  it  was  at  Cleveland,  with  a  Sunday  service 
in  the  waiting-rooms  of  the  station,  and  for  two  years  we  had  no 
building  excepting  a  small  brick  room  that  had  been  put  up  origi- 
nally as  a  tool-house.  This  room  was  used  by  the  members  of  the 
Association  during  the  week,  the  services  being  held  in  the  waiting- 
room  on  Sunday.  I  was  urged  to  take  part  in  the  work.  I  knew 
nothing  whatever  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  work, 
and  I  was  very  much  opposed  to  it.  I  finally  consented  to  the  use 
of  my  name,  and  that  I  should  be  simply  a  figurehead.  But,  as  the 
work  progressed,  it  was  impossible  to  stand  idle  and  not  lend  a  hand. 
The  effects  even  of  that  early  work  among  the  men  there  in  the  sta- 

19 


tion  at  Troy  were  so  marked  that  the  attention  of  all  the  officers  of 
the  railroad  and  the  citizens  of  the  place  was  attracted  to  it.  Finally 
with  the  help  of  one  of  the  citizens  of  Troy,  who  was  somewhat  in- 
terested in  railroad  work,  they  determined  to  erect  a  building.  The 
railroad  company  owned  land  which  could  be  spared,  and  the  com- 
panies running  into  the  city,  four  in  number,  subscribed  two  thou- 
sand dollars.  We  citizens  of  Troy  started  a  subscription,  and 
within  a  very  few  weeks  raised  five  thousand  dollars  addi- 
tional ;  so  with  seven  thousand  dollars  we  started  our  building. 
Our  building  there  is  about  forty  feet  front  and  eighty  feet  deep, 
with  a  comfortable  parlor,  reading-room,  lounging-room,  Secretary's 
office,  kitchen,  class-rooms  on  the  ground  floor;  and  then  above  is  a 
large  hall  capable  of  seating  about  four  hundred  people.  We  erected 
a  building  costing  ten  thousand  dollars,  and  carried  a  debt  of  three 
thousand  dollars.  Our  membership  is  now  three  hundred  and  sixty- 
five.  The  railroad  companies  allow  us  fifty  dollars  a  month,  and 
our  fuel  and  light.  All  other  expenses  are  met  by  the  dues  of  the 
men,  amounting  to  two  dollars  a  year  each,  and  contributions  from 
the  citizens  of  Troy.  The  work  has  prospered  and  been  blessed 
beyond  our  most  sanguine  expectations.  The  change  in  the  tone 
of  the  employes  going  through  that  station  and  employed  there  is 
quite  marked.  Some  of  you,  perhaps,  will  bear  me  out  in  saying 
that  railroad  men  are  not  today  what  they  were  ten  or  fifteen  years 
ago.  I  can  assure  you  that  there  was  no  worse  place  than  Troy  for 
profanity,  and  all  manner  of  unchristian  and  uncharitable  works, 
and  men  whom  you  could  not  approach  before  without  hearing  pro- 
fanity and  vulgar  talk  have  now  become  Christians.  Our  Secretary 
tells  us  there  is  hardly  a  train  passing  through  the  place  without 
one  or  more  Christian  men  upon  it  as  the  result  of  that  work.  The 
citizens  of  Troy  are  very  much  pleased  with  our  work,  and  with  this 
strong  endorsement  we  thought  that  the  debt  had  stayed  long 
enough,  and  two  of  us  went  about  and  got  three  thousand  dollars 
without  any  trouble  and  two  hundred  and  twenty-five  dollars  over. 
Since  that  time  our  Secretary  has  been  anxious  to  get  a  gymnasium, 
and  with  a  little  exertion  he  raised  one  thousand  dollars  among 
the  men,  and  a  few  days  ago  the  whole  amount  was  sixteen  hun- 
dred dollars.  He  wants  twenty-five  hundred  dollars,  and  he  says 
he  will  get  the  difference  in  a  very  few  weeks. 

"Now,  a  good  many  people  ask  the  question.  Does  this  pay? 
Is  it  in  any  way  the  province  of  a  railroad  company  to  support 
these  Associations?  I  hold,  perhaps,  radical  views  upon  that  subject. 


20 


I  do  not  think  it  is  in  any  way  the  business  of  a  railroad  company 
to  make  Christians  of  its  men,  or  to  undertake  to  do  the  work  of 
the  churches;  but  I  do  hold  most  assuredly  that  anything  that 
will  tend  to  make  their  men  better  men,  sober  men,  temperate  men, 
is  strongly  their  duty  to  foster  and  encourage.  The  watchword  of 
a  railroad  man  in  these  days  is  economy.  We  hear  it  continually. 
It  is  impressed  upon  us  from  the  moment  we  enter  our  office  or  go 
out  over  the  line  until  we  go  home  at  night.  We  have  to  take  out 
old  ties  from  the  main  track  and  put  them  into  the  sidings;  and 
when  they  can  be  used  there  no  longer  we  must  gather  them  for 
firewood  for  our  engines.  Old  planks  must  be  turned  over  and  used 
on  the  other  side  until  that  is  worn  out.  Everything  that  we  can 
do  for  economy  has  to  be  practiced.  I  could  go  on  and  enumerate 
many  instances  where  this  matter  of  economy  is  urged  upon  us. 
Now,  which  is  the  most  economical  employe — a  man  who  is  a  Chris- 
tian, always  doing  his  duty,  not  only  when  he  is  watched  but  when 
he  is  not,  or  one  who  is  but  a  timeserver  and  who  looks  forward 
only  for  the  time  to  quit  his  work?  Anything  that  tends  to  make 
men  better,  that  tends  to  cultivate  in  them  a  spirit  of  conscien- 
tiousness, is  for  the  direct  interest  of  the  stockholders.  I  do  not 
so  much  care  whether  it  is  to  make  men  Christians,  but  if  it  tends 
to  make  them  better,  to  make  them  straightforward,  honest  men, 
then  it  is  for  their  interest  to  spend  that  money.  We  can  only  do 
that  really  by  making  the  men  Christians. 

"I  would  like  to  read  you  a  few  testimonials  that  I  have  here 
of  what  some  men  have  said  as  the  result  of  this  work.  From  an 
agent:  'I  am  satisfied  with  the  library,  and  think  the  system  of 
distributing  books  a  good  one,  and  if  I  don't  have  an  opportunity 
to  take  advantage  of  the  other  privileges,  I  feel  more  than  repaid 
for  joining  in  being  supplied  with  reading  matter.'  From  a  brake- 
man:  'For  the  past  two  and  a  half  years  I  have  enjoyed  calling 
at  the  rooms  almost  daily.  Having  such  a  place  to  spend  my  spare 
time  has  kept  me  from  the  saloon.'  From  a  machinist:  'I  seldom 
miss  attending  the  class  in  mechanical  drawing  when  it  is  possible 
for  me  to  be  present.  I  have  found  the  teacher's  instructions  most 
valuable  and  helpful  to  myself,  as  well  as  to  others  who  attend. 
The  Association  has  made  a  move  in  the  right  direction  in  organizing 
such  a  class  for  railroad  men,  who  really  need  such  help.' 

"Among  other  helpful  features  is  the  class  in  instruction  in 
First  Aid  to  the  Injured.  We  had  a  splendid  evidence  of  this  in 
the  Grand  Central  Depot  a  few  weeks  ago.    A  poor  fellow  met  with 


21 


an  accident,  in  which  his  leg  was  cut  oflf.  One  of  his  fellow-workmen 
cut  off  a  piece  of  a  bell  cord,  improvised  a  tourniquet,  and  pursued 
other  proper  methods  to  stop  the  flow  of  blood  and  ease  the  sufferer. 
When  the  surgeon  arrived,  he  declared  that  if  the  man  had  not 
known  just  what  to  do,  and  had  not  done  it  well  and  promptly, 
the  injured  man's  life  would  surely  have  been  lost.  This  was  one 
result  of  the  instructions  given  in  First  Aid  in  our  reading-rooms. 

"  We  have  had  a  great  deal  of  success  during  the  past  two  years, 
through  a  movement  that  was  organized  by  Mr.  Cole  on  the  West 
Side.  He  organized  a  series  of  entertainments  and  social  gatherings 
of  the  men  of  different  departments.  He  brought  the  men  of  cer- 
tain freight  houses  together,  and  they  gave  entertainments  for  the 
benefit  of  all  the  others.  This  produced  a  great  deal  of  pleasure 
among  the  employes,  and  the  movement  assisted  the  Association 
work  very  much.  I  think  the  idea  originally  is  due  to  our  friend 
Mr.  Cole. 

"In  conclusion,  gentlemen,  I  desire  to  congratulate  you  very 
sincerely  on  your  good  fortune  in  inducing  Mr.  Cole  to  come  here. 
What  is  your  gain  is  our  loss.  We  regret  his  departure  very  much 
indeed." 

Mr.  R.  R.  McBurney,  General  Secretary  of  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association  of  New  York  City,  said  : 

"Mr.  Chairman  and  Friends: — I  am  exceedingly  glad  to  be 
here  tonight.  I  have  had  the  good  fortune  of  being  familiar  with  this 
department  of  work  since  it  was  commenced,  and  have  had  some  op- 
portunity of  seeing  the  results  which  have  attended  the  work,  not  only 
in  New  York  City,  but  also  throughout  the  country.  I  have  had 
the  pleasure  of  knowing  all  the  men  who  have  been  leading  in  the 
movement,  not  only  in  the  United  States,  but  also  in  Canada.  In 
the  beginning  of  the  work  there  were  a  good  many  difficulties  in 
the  way.  There  was  a  good  deal  of  prejudice  to  be  overcome.  It 
took  some  time  to  convince  officials  of  railroads  in  relation  to  the 
advantages  likely  to  accrue  from  the  work.  The  officials  said: 
'There  are  men  of  various  faiths  in  our  employ,  and  we  do  not  see 
how  you  can  carry  on  such  work  among  them.'  We  said  we  had 
been  carrying  on  that  form  of  work  among  young  men  in  cities 
generally,  and  we  did  not  see  why  the  very  same  kind  of  work  could 
not  be  carried  on  specially  for  railroad  men.  The  result  of  the  trial 
which  was  made  in  the  beginning  of  the  work  at  Cleveland  was 
exceedingly  marked.  The  Cleveland  depot  was  surrounded  by  rum 
shops  and  even  worse  resorts,  and  the  young  men  as  they  came  into 


22 


the  employ  of  the  Company  were  soon  swept  into  this  whirlpool  of 
temptation  and  iniquity.  An  irreligious  man  there  was  brought 
under  religious  influences  and  led  to  begin  a  decided  religious  life. 
Being  concerned  in  the  welfare  of  other  railroad  men,  it  was  laid 
on  his  heart,  and  a  meeting  was  commenced  at  the  depot,  which 
resulted  in  a  reformation  being  made,  and  the  beginning  of  a  decided 
life  in  Christ,  by  a  large  number  of  those  men.  At  an  Episcopal 
convention  which  was  held  in  Boston  a  few  years  ago,  after  the  riots 
occurred  at  Pittsburgh  in  which  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company, 
as  we  are  well  aware,  lost  a  good  deal  of  property.  General  Deveraux 
said  that  which  saved  Cleveland  from  the  fate  of  Pittsburgh  was  the 
fact  that  a  decided  religious  work  had  been  carried  on  among  the 
railroad  men  in  the  former  city.  One  of  the  first  things  that  the  men 
did  at  Cleveland  when  the  strike  was  ordered  was  to  reach  a  decision 
that  not  one  of  them  would  taste  intoxicating  liquor  during  the  pro- 
gress of  the  strike,  and  that  they  themselves  would  patrol  the  Com- 
pany's property,  and  keep  it  safe.  That  testimony  produced  a  deep 
impression  among  the  railroad  men  of  this  country,  and  this  has 
also  been  the  testimony  of  the  railroad  companies. 

"  I  hope  you  will  make  this  a  social  work — a  hand-to-hand 
work;  that  this  will  be  to  every  railroad  man  that  comes  to  Phila- 
delphia the  bright  spot  of  the  whole  town;  and  you  can  make  it  so. 
You  can  make  it  cheerful.  There  is  no  class  of  men  more  social  than 
railroad  men.  That  is  my  experience  among  them.  Every  Sunday 
afternoon  for  a  year  before  we  secured  a  General  Secretary,  it  was 
my  pleasure  to  lead  the  meeting  at  the  Grand  Central  Depot.  I 
thus  came  into  very  close  contact  with  the  railroad  men  in  New 
York.  No  others  are  more  social,  and  if  you  get  at  the  social  side 
of  your  fellow-workmen  in  this  connection,  you  will  find  that  you 
will  acquire  an  influence  over  them  that  will  become  potent  in  their 
lives. 

"  Then  the  educational  advantages  of  the  Association  are  not  to  be 
overlooked.  I  have  heard  of  a  number  of  instances  of  lives  having 
been  saved  by  men  knowing  just  what  to  do  in  cases  of  accident. 
The  different  educational  classes  that  have  been  maintained  have 
also  been  exceedingly  helpful  to  the  members  of  the  Association. 
It  has  been  our  object  to  organize  educational  lines  of  work 
that  shall  be  most  helpful  to  the  men  in  their  chosen  employ- 
ment. 

"  Our  religious  agencies  are  not  intended  to  take  the  place  of 
the  ordinary  church  services,  the  religious  services  of  the  various 

23 


denominations  with  which  the  men  are  connected ;  but  it  is  in  these 
informal  meetings,  where  railroad  men  are  offered  an  opportunity 
of  meeting  and  talking  with  perfect  freedom,  that  they  are  often 
more  easily  influenced  in  their  religious  lives, 

"  Now  we  are  about  organizing  a  railroad  branch  among  the 
elevated  railroad  men  in  New  York.  The  officers  of  the  company 
had  some  hesitation  as  to  how  the  men  would  receive  the  proposition. 
We  said  to  them,  'We  don't  want  you  to  determine  that  question, 
we  will  let  the  men  determine  that  themselves.'  Then  we  asked 
three  or  four  of  the  elevated  railroad  men  to  meet  us,  and  we 
talked  the  matter  over  with  them.  They  went  out  with  papers, 
and  a  week  afterwards  they  had  the  names  of  five  hundred  elevated 
railroad  men  agreeing  to  contribute  to  the  support  of  the  work  if  the 
company  would  provide  suitable  rooms.  (Of  course  it  was  in  their 
hours  after  work  they  went  around  to  secure  these  names.)  The 
men  said  if  they  had  a  little  more  time  to  go  around  they  could 
easily  secure  from  fifteen  hundred  to  two  thousand  names  to  the 
proposition.  I  went  down  to  the  Superintendent  of  the  road  day 
before  yesterday  and  asked  him,  '  How  many  names  do  you  think 
we  have?'  He  looked  somewhat  doubtful  at  first,  but  was  amazed 
when  I  told  him  our  success.  I  said, '  We  want  you,  if  you  are  inter- 
ested in  this  matter,  to  let  us  have  one  man  to  look  after  the  station 
men,  and  another  man  to  look  after  each  of  the  other  departments, 
the  engineers,  brakemen,  etc.,  for  two  days.'  He  said  at  once,  'I 
will  set  aside  those  men  for  two  days,  or  as  long  as  you  please.  I 
had  no  idea  that  the  men  were  so  anxious  to  have  an  association  of 
this  kind. ' 

"  I  find  I  am  talking  too  long;  Mr.  Cole,  I  think,  made  a  mistake 
by  coming  to  Philadelphia.  We  want  all  the  best  things  in  New 
York,  because  we  think  New  York  such  an  important  place,  and  in 
some  respects  more  important  than  Philadelphia.  Mr.  Cole  came  to 
us  after  a  large  number  of  the  men  had  been  removed  from  Thirtieth 
Street,  and  a  new  freight  station  had  been  opened  at  Sixtieth  Street ; 
but  judge  of  our  surprise  when  we  found  that  a  short  time  after 
he  came  he  had  secured  a  larger  number  of  men  at  Thirtieth  Street 
than  had  been  enrolled  there  before  the  change  in  the  location  of 
the  roundhouse,  etc.,  had  been  made.  I  say  this  because  Mr.  Cole 
comes  among  you  as  a  stranger.  We  know  him  in  New  York,  and 
we  love  him.  We  did  not  want  to  spare  him,  but  the  pressure  in 
Philadelphia  was  so  strong  that  we  had  to  let  him  go.  I  sincerely 
trust  you  will  give  him  the  hearty  and  spontaneous  support  that  we 

24 


gave  him  in  New  York,  and  if  you  do  this  I  doubt  not  that  you  will 
build  up  here  a  work  even  more  successful  and  influential  than  he 
was  permitted  to  lead  in  the  accomplishment  of  there.  I  wish 
you  in  this  work  God's  richest  blessing." 

Mr.  Walter  C.  Douglas,  of  St.  Louis,  being  called  upon,  re- 
sponded by  saying : 

"  I  am  not  going  to  detain  you  very  long.  I  find  that  some- 
thing comes  a  little  later  on  that  will  probably  be  more  acceptable — 
not  that  I  care  for  such  things  myself.  I  have  a  feeble  appetite, 
but  my  friend  Mr.  Cole,  like  Cassius,  'hath  a  lean  and  hungry  look,' 
as  if  he  were  longing  for  the  last  thing  on  the  programme  very  much. 
What  are  we  here  for?  I  am  assigned  as  from  St.  Louis,  which  is  a 
good  thousand  miles  from  here,  and  here  we  have  these  gentlemen 
from  New  York,  and  gentlemen  from  Philadelphia,  and  all  around. 
I  am  pleased  to  be  at  the  christening  of  the  baby,  for  this  is  the 
youngest  railroad  organization  in  the  country.  I  don't  believe  I 
ever  saw  a  livelier  youngster  before. 

"  Our  friend  here,  Mr.  Voorhees,  has  talked  very  flatteringly  of 
the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  and  it  was  very  generous.  But  he 
doesn't  talk  that  way  when  he  gets  back  to  New  York;  then  he 
talks  quite  another  way.  The  New  York  Central  then  becomes  the 
biggest  road  in  the  land — 'a  four-tracked  railroad  all  the  way  through 
New  York  State.' 

"  I  am  glad  to  be  with  you,  for  it  helps  any  man  to  come  to 
Philadelphia,  the  city  of  homes,  good  manners  and  truth.  But 
now  I  want  to  speak  about  that  baby.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  this 
thing  don't  stand  alone;  it  is  the  youngest  of  the  great  family  of 
Christian  railroad  organizations.  And  I  notice  another  thing  in 
connection  with  this.  When  we  have  a  family  of  children  (and  I 
myself  have  six  or  seven  at  home,  more  or  less),  when  the  baby 
comes  we  all  think  it  is,  not  only  the  prettiest  and  best  of  the  lot, 
but  the  finest  in  the  whole  country.  I  am  inclined  to  think  that 
you  believe  that  way  about  your  baby.  It  certainly  has  the  best 
start  of  any  railroad  organization  that  I  have  ever  seen.  I  assure 
you  we  had  no  such  start  in  East  St.  Louis.  We  could  not  get  open 
air — and  I  always  thought  air  was  free.  We  could  not  get  open 
air  at  our  first  meeting,  for  the  mob  cleaned  us  out  in  about  ten 
minutes.  We  little  thought  then  that  the  day  would  come  when 
we  would  have  a  building  of  our  own  in  East  St.  Louis.  And  now 
we  have  a  fine  building  with  a  splendid  library,  bathrooms,  recep- 
tion-rooms, hospital  and  other  rooms;  and  to  keep  up  this  great 

25 


organization  the  men  pay  in  hundreds  and  hundreds  of  dollars, 
and  from  the  railroad  corporations  we  receive  five  thousand  dollars 
a  year. 

"When  we  first  undertook  this  work  in  East  St.  Louis,  if  a 
man  had  told  me  that  we  should  meet  with  such  success,  I  would 
have  told  him  he  was  a  fit  subject  for  the  lunatic  asylum.  I 
would  not  have  believed  it.  But  just  see  how  you  start.  With 
everything  complete  and  fully  equipped  I  tell  you  I  expect  to  hear 
such  reports  from  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Association  as  will 
thrill  us  all. 

"  Now,  this  is  a  part  of  the  vast  system  of  Christian  Association 
throughout  the  country.  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  visiting  many 
Young  Men's  Christian  Associations  in  the  West,  and  it  was  per- 
fectly delightful.  I  always  found  the  rooms  with  the  latch  strings 
on  the  outside,  and  a  hearty  welcome  everywhere.  I  wasn't  a 
stranger  anywhere,  but  everywhere  great,  splendid,  straight-for- 
ward men  bid  me  welcome.  No  matter  where  you  may  go  in  this 
country,  if  you  present  your  card  from  this  Association,  you  are  no 
longer  a  stranger,  you  are  just  as  much  at  home  as  though  you  had 
lived  there  all  the  days  of  your  life.  You  will  find  society  ready- 
made  for  you.     And  you  will  find  all  this  at  once. 

"Well,  they  are  erecting  a  beautiful  building  at  Bloomington 
and  another  at  Peoria.  I  received  a  letter  the  other  day  from  the 
Superintendent  of  the  Chicago  &  Alton  Railroad  Company,  and  he 
said  their  building  was  just  blooming — no,  the  word  was  'booming.' 
And  he  said  it  was  a  race  between  them  which  should  be  the  first 
and  which  should  get  the  better.  Well,  that  is  the  way  it  goes  in 
the  West.  Out  in  Streator  there  was  a  saloon  at  the  depot  that  had 
been  the  ruin  of  many  a  young  railroad  man.  I  met  a  prominent 
railroad  man  out  there,  and  he  said  that  not  long  ago  that  property 
was  for  sale.  He  said  that  before  anybody  else  could  step  in  he 
telegraphed  to  a  director  of  his  Company  the  facts,  and  the  direc- 
tor telegraphed  back  to  have  the  property  bought.  And  it  was 
bought,  and  is  now  to  be  used  by  a  Railroad  Association.  That  old 
saloon  that  had  been  the  curse  of  so  many  men,  and  had  broken 
so  many  hearts,  and  had  spoiled  so  many  lives — that  curse  will 
be  swept  away,  and  in  place  of  it  there  shall  be  a  building  like  this, 
that  shall  be  devoted  to  the  regeneration  of  men. 

"There  is  no  other  investment  in  Philadelphia  that  will  yield 
so  rich  a  return  as  this.  And  I  tell  you  this,  that  small  as  it  is,  it 
will  turn  out  a  great  work.     We  have  now  from  seventy  to  eighty 

26 


Railroad  Associations,  and  the  number  is  fast  increasing.  You 
are  the  baby  of  the  great  family  of  Railroad  Associations.  I  want 
to  bid  welcome  to  the  baby,  and  ask  God's  blessing  upon  its  future 
career." 

Mr.  Nelson  Evans,  President  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  of  Philadelphia,  followed  Mr.  Douglas  and  said: 

"I  will  not  make  any  lengthy  remarks,  but  simply  wish  to 
extend  to  you,  in  behalf  of  the  Association,  our  greetings  and  con- 
gratulations, and  say  to  you  that  you  are  all  very  cordially  welcome 
to  the  use  of  our  building  at  Fifteenth  and  Chestnut  Streets,  We 
want  you  to  feel  that  that  place  is  for  you  just  as  much  as  for  us 
and  the  two  thousand  men  who  belong  to  the  Association  in  town. 
We  feel  that  this  great  city  of  homes  and  its  Association  of  two 
thousand  young  men  needs  the  help  of  all  good  men  standing  together. 
And  this  is  one  of  the  ways  in  which  we  can  make  the  most  of  our- 
selves and  help  our  fellows  about  us.  All  of  us  hope  never  to  realize 
that  we  have  evil  influences  about  us  all  the  time;  but  we  need  not 
look  further  than  the  six  thousand  saloons  of  our  city  to  see  that 
we  are  compassed  on  every  hand  with  sin  and  vice.  We  have  to 
struggle  against  them.  We  are  all  interested  in  the  welfare  of  Phila- 
delphia. We  are  like  a  great  family.  We  cannot  ignore  our  neigh- 
bors. My  children  are  being  raised,  and  so  are  yours,  with  these 
evil  influences  about  them;  and  every  man  is  vitally  interested 
in  the  moral  tone  of  this  city.  We  have  in  this  railroad  branch  an 
agency  that  is  calculated  to  make  our  city  better  to  live  in;  it  will 
be  a  better  city  for  all  people  to  do  business  in.  It  should  be  my 
anxiety  and  yours  to  make  our  homes  better,  and  to  make  the  homes 
of  men  about  us  better.  It  is  a  good  thing  to  think  of,  as  Mr.  Douglas 
said.  We  have  eleven  hundred  and  forty  Christian  Associations  of 
this  kind  in  the  United  States,  with  a  membership  of  about  one 
hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand.  Now  we  can  go  to  New  York, 
St.  Louis  and  San  Francisco,  and  find  there  classes  of  men  who  think 
as  we  do.  I  remember  twenty- three  years  ago,  when  walking  in 
the  streets  of  New  York,  a  man  called  me  by  name  and  shook  my 
hand  very  cordially.  I  had  met  him  the  evening  before,  but  did 
not  suppose  he  would  remember  me,  and  I  have  never  forgotten  the 
interest  he  took  in  my  personal  welfare  when  I  was  a  young  man 
and  a  stranger  in  the  city  of  New  York,  It  was  our  brother,  Mr, 
McBurney. 

"This  great  brotherhood  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  thou- 
sand men  should  stand  together,  and  have  it  known  that  we  are 

27 


honest  Christian  men.  We  should  do  all  we  can  to  help  others  to 
make  our  city  and  our  country  better.  We  have  such  glorious 
opportunities  here,  and  I  know  that  all  of  us  can  make  men  of  our- 
selves. This  fellowship  which  you,  young  men  and  men  of  middle 
age,  will  start  here  today  will  make  you  all  very  much  stronger  than 
you  could  possibly  be  without  it;  and  the  more  you  take  an  active 
personal  interest  in  the  thing,  the  more  satisfaction  and  pleasure 
you  get  out  of  it." 

The  time  assigned  for  the  exercises  of  the  evening  not  having 
expired,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  Chairman  and  the  calls  of  the 
assemblage,  remarks  were  made  by  the  following  named  gentlemen : 

By  Mr.  William  J.  Latta: 

"Gentlemen,  you  all  know  that  I  am  not  a  talker — I  am  simply 
a  worker."     (Applause.) 

By  Mr.  William  A.  Patton : 

"Like  my  friend,  I  will  make  a  very  short  address.  I  am  very 
glad  to  be  here.  My  sympathies  are  fully  with  you.  This  new  organ- 
ization has  my  best  wishes,  and  shall  have  my  cordial  support." 
(Applause.) 

By  Deloss  Everett: 

"I  will  not  wait  to  be  called  upon;  just  a  moment.  Taking  a 
retrospective  view  of  the  past  twenty  years,  and  comparing  the 
railroad  men  of  twenty  years  ago  with  the  railroad  men  of  today, 
the  opportunities  of  that  time  with  the  opportunities  of  today, 
I  think  every  railroad  man  in  the  United  States  ought  to  praise 
God  for  the  advancement  and  for  the  opportunities  we  have  today 
of  making  ourselves  grander  and  better  men.  I  sincerely  hope, 
in  conjunction  with  those  who  spoke  before  me,  that  every  one  of 
us  may  go  out  from  this  meeting  with  new  zeal  and  new  ability, 
and  resolve  to  make  ourselves  better  men.  I  earnestly  hope  and 
pray  that  that  will  be  the  result  of  this  meeting.  I  want  to  say, 
in  conclusion,  as  far  as  I  am  concerned  as  an  employe  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad,  I  thank  God  that  I  have  this  opportunity  now  to 
testify  that  there  is  a  power  in  the  name  of  God  to  save  men  under 
any  and  all  circumstances." 

By  Rev.  J.  H.  Menges: 

"Mr.  PrESidKntand  Brothers: — I  don't  know  whether  I  am 
here  as  a  locomotive  engineer  or  a  fireman  or  brakeman  or  a  clerk.  I 
am  exceedingly  gratified  to  be  here  tonight  at  this  meeting,  and  in  be- 
half of  the  citizens  of  West  Philadelphia  I  congratulate  you  upon  this 
very  favorable  occasion.     Some  two  or  three  years  ago  an  attempt 

28 


was  made  to  organize  a  Christian  Association,  and  it  had  acquired 
a  considerable  amount  of  interest.  But  it  hadn't  the  financial 
backing,  which  is  a  very  essential  thing  for  an  undertaking  of  this 
kind,  as  the  brethren  know.  And  now,  after  some  years,  the  fire, 
which  was  kept  smouldering  in  the  ashes,  has  turned  into  a  new 
flame,  and  I  trust  a  very  successful  one,  too.  I  am  exceedingly  grati- 
fied to  find  that  the  officials  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company 
are  stepping  to  the  front,  and  that  they  are  beginning  to  realize 
that  a  railroad,  as  well  as  many  other  institutions,  cannot  be  very 
well  run  without  acknowledging  the  religion  of  Jesus.  Already  they 
are  knowing  it,  and  by  this  interest  that  they  are  manifesting  in 
this  Association  we  see  it. 

"How  many  years  did  it  take  the  wise  men  of  our  nation  to 
learn  the  proper  system  of  controlling  the  Indians  of  this  country? 
Had  we  fifty  years  ago  come  to  that  idea  of  educating  their  chil- 
dren, the  nation  would  not  have  spent  half  the  money  for  educating, 
christianizing  and  civilizing  the  Indians  that  they  spent  for  powder 
and  shot  to  shoot  them  down.  It  took  a  long  time,  pardon  me, 
before  the  officials  of  the  railroads  saw  the  advantage  of  giving 
their  people  every  possible  opportunity  to  cultivate  the  highest 
kind  of  morality  and  the  purest  kind  of  religion.  And  may  God 
bless  the  officials,  and  bless  the  railroad  employes,  for,  after  all, 
they  are  all  employes,  from  the  President  down.  And  may  God 
bind  their  hearts  together  with  the  feeling  that  they  are  men  stand- 
ing side  by  side,  and  shoulder  to  shoulder,  for  the  great  work  that 
is  before  them." 

By  Mr.  N.  Parker  Shortridge : 

"  I  did  not  expect  to  have  anything  to  say  here  tonight.  I  have 
been  very  much  interested  in  all  the  exercises  here,  and  I  must  con- 
gratulate you  on  the  completion  of  this  grand  enterprise.  I  have  no 
doubt  a  great  deal  of  good  will  come  from  it,  and  I  can  assure  you  that 
every  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Pennsylvania  Rail- 
road Company,  from  its  President  down  (and  let  me  say  to  you  here, 
and  I  think  I  know  something  about  it,  that  he  works  certainly  as 
hard  as  any  of  us),  are  cordially  with  you  in  this  idea,  as  well  as  my 
friend  Mr.  Morris,  who  I  believe  is  the  oldest  employe  in  the  service. 
I  came  here  tonight  to  see  the  beginning  of  this  work,  and  I  have  no 
doubt  it  will  do  a  great  deal  of  good  among  the  railroad  men.  I  can 
assure  you  that  when  a  man  is  wanted  for  a  position,  the  man  who 
is  a  Christian,  who  is  honest,  and  who  has  a  good  record  stands  a 
better  chance  than  any  other  man.  " 

29 


By  Mr.  Wistar  Morris: 

"  I  wish  to  say  to  you  that  it  has  been  a  great  pleasure  to  me  to 
be  with  you  this  evening,  and  I  congratulate  you  upon  the  nineteenth 
of  May  as  being  the  dawn  of  a  day  upon  which  I  hope  the  sun  may 
never  set." 

Thus  the  young  Department  which  had  been  conceived  at  116 
North  Thirty-fourth  Street  on  May  1,  1877,  and  born  at  Christ 
Methodist  Church,  Thirty-eighth  and  Hamilton  Streets,  on  March  11, 
1886,  was  christened  under  the  most  favorable  auspices  at  3607 
Haverford  Street  on  May  11,  1887.  The  attendance,  at  the  christ- 
ening, of  leading  railroad  officials  and  Christian  workers,  and  the  wide 
scope  of  the  addresses,  filled  as  they  were,  with  brotherly  love, 
experience,  advice,  sympathy  and  promised  aid,  created  an  enthusi- 
asm which  rooted  itself  deeply  and  has  permeated  the  Department 
throughout  its  career. 

The  years  that  followed  in  that  building  were  years  of  toil  and 
earnest  effort  by  the  band  of  faithful  pioneers  who  possessed  not 
only  the  spirit  of  optimism  but  of  altruism.  Immediately  after 
the  opening  of  the  building  new  members  began  to  come  in  from 
all  branches  of  the  railroad  service,  and  the  work  started  along  the 
lines  of  "Finance,"  "Library,"  "Physical  Development,"  "Edu- 
cation," "Entertainment,"  "Sick  Visitation"  and  " Religious  Train- 
ing." By  June  30,  1887,  over  four  hundred  volumes  had  been 
donated,  and  formed  the  nucleus  of  the  splendid  library  now  in 
possession  of  the  Department. 

On  August  3,  1887,  Mr.  Frank  H.  Gregory  was  engaged  as 
Assistant  Secretary  to  take  the  place  of  Mr.  H.  B.  Rankin  who  had 
resigned.  Mr.  Gregory  entered  at  once  upon  his  duties,  and  no 
person  entered  the  building  without  receiving  a  kindly  greeting 
and  a  proffer  of  service,  the  outward  expression  of  his  heart,  which 
was  overflowing  with  a  deep  love  for  humanity.  Mr.  Gregory 
still  remains  in  the  service  as  General  Secretary  of  the  Railroad 
Department  at  Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania. 

To  bring  the  home  and  family  into  close  affiliation  with  the 
work  of  the  Department,  one  of  the  earliest  and  very  significant 
provisions  at  the  initiative  and  under  the  leadership  of  Chairman 
Keesberry,  was  the  formation  of  the  Woman's  Auxiliary,  composed 
of  the  wives,  daughters  and  dependent  female  relatives  of  members, 
and  a  "Boy's  Department"  for  boys  between  the  ages  of  ten  and 
sixteen  years,  sons  of  members.  Thus,  at  the  outstart,  there  were 
brought  into  harmony  of  purpose  and  action  fathers,  mothers,  sons, 

30 


CHARLES  G.  CADWALLADER, 
Chairman,  1889-91,   1892-93. 


daughters,  brothers  and  sisters  of  the  railroad  community.  These 
two  subordinate  organizations  have  had  an  important  bearing  and 
lasting  influence  on  the  progress  and  prosperity  of  the  Department. 
No  greater  work  could  have  been  installed  at  that  time,  for  it  was 
the  corner-stone  in  the  arch  of  success. 

At  the  close  of  the  year  1887,  there  were  294  names  enrolled 
as  members  of  the  Department,  classified  as  follows : 

Life 5 

Active 85 

Associate. 145 

Sustaining 59 

Total 294 


The  life  members  and  their  contributions  were: 

J.  N.  Du  Barry $100 

Wistar  Morris. 100 

N.  Parker  Shortridge.... 100 

H.  H.  Houston.- 250 

George  W.  Childs 100 

Mr.  Shortridge  alone  survives  (1910). 

The  active  members  were  divided  denominationally: 

Baptist 22 

Christian 1 

Episcopalian 8 

Lutheran..... 12 

Methodist... 18 

Presbyterian _  21 

Reformed. 2 

United  Presbyterian 1 

Total 85 


January  1,  1888,  Messrs.  William  A.  Patton,  Solomon  G.  Grone, 
Samuel  D.  Wilson,  J.  C.  Gilmore,  Naylor  C.  Davis,  Richard  Downes, 
John  M.  Jones  and  Harry  W.  Hoot  were  added  to  the  Committee 
of  Management,  and  Deloss  Everett,  having  retired  from  the  Com- 
pany's service,  was  withdrawn. 

During  the  time  the  Department  was  housed  at  3607  Haver- 
ford  Street,  from  1887  to  1893,  as  each  year  passed  the  work  broad- 
ened  and   adapted   itself  more   fully  to  existing  conditions,  preju- 

31 


dices  were  gradually  overcome  and  progress  was  made  with  a 
perfect  steadiness.  On  the  first  day  of  January,  1889,  the  Depart- 
ment entered  on  the  publication  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Men's 
News.  It  was  issued  monthly  as  a  four-page  newspaper  until  August, 
1891,  when  it  was  discontinued.  It  reappeared  in  magazine  form 
in  September,  1891,  and  its  publication  continued  in  that  form  until 
December,  1901,  when  it  was  discontinued.  Its  issue  in  magazine 
form  was  as  follows: 

1891.  September,   October,   November   and   December. 

1892.  Eleven  numbers,  November  and  December  being  com- 

bined. 

1893.  Six  numbers,  January,  June,  July,  August,  September 

and  October. 

1894.  Eleven  numbers.     No  issue  for  February. 
1895  to  1901,  both  inclusive,  the  issue  was  monthly. 

The  News  was  established  in  the  early  and  struggling  days  of 
the  Department  as  a  means  for  promoting  the  latter's  growth.  In 
its  aims  it  was  missionary,  educational  and  to  some  extent  literary. 

It  created  many  friends  for  the  Department  and  itself,  not  only 
in  Philadelphia  and  along  the  lines  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Company,  but  in  many  States  and  nations.  It  was  read  in  the 
woods  of  Maine  and  where  the  balmy  breeze  of  the  gulf  of  Mexico 
blows;  in  the  cities  of  the  Atlantic  Coast,  the  deep  recesses  of  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  and  where  the  Pacific  flows.  It  crossed  the  oceans 
and  lodged  in  Europe,  Asia  and  the  isles  of  the  sea.  It  was  a  wel- 
come visitor  in  the  households  of  the  rich  and  poor,  of  the  educator 
and  the  student,  of  the  capitalist,  the  artisan  and  the  laborer;  it 
penetrated  the  wards  of  the  hospitals  and  the  gloomy  cells  of  prisons. 
Private,  college,  municipal,  State  and  national  libraries  have  bound 
volumes  of  it  on  their  shelves,  and  the  Department  has  a  pardon- 
able pride  that  in  the  fulfillment  of  its  destiny  it  proved  a  success. 
When  the  Department  became  full  grown,  handsomely  housed, 
well  organized  and  doing  splendid  work  in  all  its  various  lines  of 
endeavor,  the  necessity  for  an  organ  for  promotion  no  longer  existed ; 
and  as  the  publication  of  a  magazine  was  not  one  of  the  vital  functions 
of  the  Department,  the  publication  of  the  News  was  discontinued. 

On  November  14,  1889,  Mr.  J.  A.  Keesberry  resigned  as  Chair- 
man of  the  Department  to  assume  the  post  of  General  Secretary; 
he  was  succeeded  as  Chairman  by  Charles  G.  Cadwallader,  who  from 
the  beginning  had  been  an  enthusiastic  and  earnest  worker  in  the 
cause.     Mr.  Keesberry 's  work  as  General  Secretary  was  doomed  to 

32 


GEORGE   H.  GRONE, 
Chairman,  1891-1892. 


a  short  life,  for  unfortunately  his  health  failed,  and  on  that  account 
he  was  compelled  to  resign  the  position,  which  he  did  on  December 
31,  1889,  causing  the  business  for  the  year  1890  to  open  with  a  handi- 
cap. Progress  was  considerably  delayed  before  a  competent  successor 
was  secured;  that  difficulty,  however,  was  overcome  on  March  15, 
when  Mr.  William  N.  Multer  was  inducted  into  the  position.  Mr, 
Multer  had  been  well  trained  for  the  duties,  and  for  some  years  had 
been  Assistant  State  Secretary  for  the  Young  Men 's  Christian  Asso- 
ciations of  Pennsylvania,  wherein  he  had  familiarized  himself  with 
railroad  association  work  throughout  the  State.  The  Department 
felt  a  new  impulse  on  his  advent,  and  entered  upon  a  renewed,  enthu- 
siastic life  along  all  the  lines  of  its  activities,  and  special  efforts  were 
directed  toward  building  up  its  membership  and  organizing  for  a 
building  campaign.  At  that  time  the  membership  consisted  of 
113  active  and  260  associate,  a  total  of  373  members;  by  June  1, 
1890,  that  total  had  swollen  to  438.  From  that  time  forward  the 
limitations  of  the  location  and  of  the  quarters  preventing  the  en- 
listment of  any  large  number  of  railroad  men  or  the  desired  expan- 
sion of  the  work  of  the  Department  became  daily  more  and  more 
apparent,  and  the  work  to  a  great  extent  for  the  next  few  years  be- 
came subordinate  to  the  canvass  for  an  enlarged  and  permanent  home. 
In  the  early  summer  of  1890  some  of  the  members,  in  their  over- 
zealous  loyalty  and  adhesion  to  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company, 
started  an  agitation  for  the  secession  of  the  Department  from  the 
organization  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadel- 
phia and  forming  an  independent  railroad  association.  Their  efforts 
succeeded  so  far  that  a  committee  was  appointed  to  confer  with  the 
railroad  officials  in  furtherance  of  promoting  the  object.  The  Com- 
mittee met  Mr.  Charles  E.  Pugh  and  Mr.  William  J.  Latta,  repre- 
senting the  Company,  who,  voicing  the  sentiments  of  the  executive 
management,  emphatically  set  the  seal  of  disapproval  upon  the  pro- 
ject, which  then  and  there  ceased  to  be  agitated. 

As  mentioned  above,  the  necessity  for  more  room  to  conduct 
the  different  activities  of  the  Department  claimed  the  attention  of 
the  Committee  of  Management  and  its  friends.  The  number  of  rail- 
road men  who  could  be  reached  was  out  of  all  proportion  to  the  num- 
ber of  those  who  could  be  accommodated  in  the  restricted  quarters. 
Looking  forward  to  increased  housing  room,  James  S.  Stackhouse 
and  Henry  W.  Hoot  were,  on  February  13,  1890,  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  confer  with  the  officers  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Com- 
pany and  ascertain  if,  in  the  plans  then  being  prepared  for  a  new 

33 


general  office  building  to  be  erected  at  Broad  and  Market  Streets, 
provision  could  be  made  to  house  the  Department  therein.  This 
being  deemed  impractical  by  the  Company,  the  subject  was  dropped. 
Other  suggestions  in  other  directions  were  taken  up,  but  produced 
no  results.  In  the  early  summer  a  committee  called  upon  William 
J.  Latta,  General  Agent,  for  his  advice  and  counsel  in  relation  to 
the  very  unsatisfactory  condition  of  the  finances  of  the  Depart- 
ment. Mr.  L-atta  had  been  a  member  of  the  advisory  board  from  the 
time  of  organization  and  an  active  adviser  and  helper  in  the  move- 
ment. He  advised  the  committee  that  the  surest  way  of  improving 
the  financial  conditions  would  be  to  secure  a  large  building,  and  sug- 
gested one  of  a  magnitude  which  up  to  that  time  had  not  been 
dreamed  of  as  being  within  the  bounds  of  possibility.  He  was  a 
man  of  rare  abilities  and  of  clear  and  correct  intuitions,  and  one 
who  had  by  the  force  of  his  character  raised  himself  from  the  position 
of  telegraph  operator  to  that  of  General  Agent  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  Company,  wherein  he  became  a  close  and  wise  adviser  of 
the  Company's  management.  An  optimist  with  unbounded  re- 
sourcefulness and  undaunted  courage,  success  seemed  to  crown  his 
every  efifort.  He  was  deeply  attached  to  the  rank  and  file  of  the 
Company's  employes,  and  there  was  no  task  so  difficult  that  he 
would  not  assume,  nor  barrier  so  formidable  that  he  would  not  under- 
take to  remove,  so  that  their  lives  might  be  made  brighter,  happier 
and  more  useful.  He  met  the  committee  in  that  splendid  altruistic 
spirit  which  characterized  him,  and  outlined  the  plans  of  action.  The 
committee  reported  the  result  of  their  interview  to  a  special  meeting 
of  the  chairmen  of  committees  on  Thursday  evening,  August  28, 
1890.     The  minutes  of  that  meeting  read  as  follows : 

Meeting  opened  by  singing  hymns  105,  162  and  224,  followed  by 
a  fervent  prayer  by  Brother  Pheneger  of  gratitude  to  our  Heavenly 
Father  for  sparing  us  all  to  meet  in  safety  after  our  summer  vacation ; 
for  his  raising  up  such  friends  to  our  Association  as  Mr.  Latta  and 
Mr.  Morris  in  our  time  of  need. 

Members  present: 

Cadwallader,  Keesberry,  Jacob  Myers,  G.  H.  Grone,  Pheneger, 
McMinn,  Middleton,  Megary,  W.  H.  Freas,  Daniel  Freas,  George, 
Senior,  Lofiin,  Conk,  Kilgore,  Thompson,  Zepp  and  Davis. 

It  was  deemed  the  sense  of  the  meeting  that  in  due  time  a 
committee  representing  one  member  from  each  department  of  our 
Company — passenger,  freight,  shop,  telegraph,  clerical  force,  engi- 
neers, trainmen,  etc. — wait  upon  General  Agent  Latta  to  urge  his  kind 

34 


offices  to  hasten  our  securing  a  building  large  enough  to  meet  our 

wants. 

The  committee  provided  for  in  the  foregoing  was  immediately 
selected  in  consultation  with  Mr.  Latta,  and  shortly  afterwards  met 
in  conference  with  him.  From  that  time  forward  he  actively,  but 
unofficially,  headed  the  movement  and  organized  the  forces,  both 
inside  and  outside  of  the  membership,  to  carry  the  campaign  for 
securing  a  building  to  a  successful  conclusion.  Partaking  of  his 
spirit  and  enthusiasm,  the  members  became  optimistic  and  worked 
unceasingly  in  the  cause.  Mr.  Latta  called  upon  Mr.  George  B. 
Roberts,  President  of  the  Road,  laid  his  plans  before  him,  and  secured 
a  promise  that  the  Company  would  provide  the  grounds  for  a  build- 
ing and  make  a  donation  towards  the  cost  of  its  erection. 

The  promise  of  Mr.  Roberts  was  carried  out,  as  the  subsequent 
action  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Com- 
pany, held  in  the  board  room,  January  25,  1893,  shows.  That  action 
is  contained  in  the  following  extracts  from  the  minutes  of  the  board ' 

The  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company. 
Office  of  the  Secretary,  Philadelphia. 

I  Hereby  Certify  That  the  following  is  a  true  and  correct 
copy  from  the  minutes  of  action  had  at  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of 
Directors  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  held  at  the  office 
of  the  Company,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  on  the  twenty-fifth 
day  of  January,  1893,  namely: 

Whereas,  An  organization  has  been  formed  by  employes  of  this 
Company  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  evangelical  religion  and  im- 
proving the  spiritual,  mental,  social  and  physical  condition  of  such 
employes,  entitled  "The  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association,"  which  organization,  for  the 
purpose  of  better  effectuating  its  purposes,  is  desirous  of  securing 
appropriate  buildings  eligibly  located ; 

And  Whereas,  This  Company  is  desirous  of  promoting  such  or- 
ganization and  furthering  its  purposes  as  above  recited ; 

Now  Therefore  Resolved,  That  this  Company  hereby  dedicates 
to  the  sole  and  exclusive  use  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Depart- 
ment of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  consisting  wholly 
of  employes  of  this  Company,  or  of  companies  operating  on  its  lines 
or  closely  affiliated  in  interest  with  it,  that  certain  tract  of  land 
situate  at  Fortieth  Street  Station,  bounded  and  described  as  follows: 

All  that  certain  lot  or  piece  of  land  situate  in  the  Twenty-fourth 

35 


Ward,  in  the  City  of  Philadelphia  and  State  of  Pennsylvania,  Be- 
ginning at  the  Northeast  Corner  of  Forty-first  Street  and  Westminster 
Avenue  as  laid  down  on  the  plan  of  the  said  City  of  Philadelphia; 
and  extending  thence  Northward  along  the  Eastern  Side  of  the  said 
Forty-first  Street,  one  hundred  and  forty-eight  feet  four  inches  to  a 
point;  thence  Southeastward  parallel  with  the  centre  line  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  one  hundred  and  eighty-nine  feet  to  a  point; 
thence  Southward  at  right  angles  with  the  said  Westminister  Avenue 
sixty  feet  to  a  point ;  thence  Westward  along  the  Northern  line  of  the 
said  Westminster  Avenue  one  hundred  and  eighty  feet  to  the  place 
of  beginning,  with  the  right  to  said  Department  to  erect  and  main- 
tain thereon  a  building  or  buildings  suitable  for  the  purposes  of  such 
Department. 

Such  dedication,  however,  to  be  upon  the  following  terms  and 
conditions : 

1.  That  said  Department  shall  use  said  land  and  the  buildings 
thereon  exclusively  for  the  purposes  aforesaid;  shall  maintain  and 
preserve  the  same  in  good  order  and  condition;  shall  promptly  pay 
and  discharge  all  taxes  or  charges  in  the  nature  of  taxes,  and  assess- 
ments for  municipal  claims,  which  may  be  assessed  upon  or  levied 
against  the  said  lot  of  ground  or  the  buildings  thereon,  including 
gas  and  w^ater  bills  and  sewer  rents ;  shall  keep  the  same  free  of  liens  of 
mechanics  and  material  men;  and  shall  keep  the  said  buildings  ade- 
quately insured;  and  that  upon  any  substantial  failure  to  comply 
with  any  of  these  conditions,  then  this  dedication  shall,  at  the  option 
of  this  Company,  cease  and  terminate,  and  this  tract  of  land,  with 
the  improvements  thereon,  shall  become  the  sole  property  of  this 
Company,  and  may  be  at  once  taken  possession  of  by  it  discharged 
from  such  dedication,  and  without  liability  to  make  compensation 
for  the  improvements  placed  thereon  by  said  Department. 

2.  This  Company  shall  have  the  right  at  any  time  after  twenty 
years  from  1st  day  of  January,  1893,  to  terminate  this  dedication, 
and  become  possessed  of  said  tract  of  land,  with  the  improvements 
thereon,  upon  giving  one  year's  notice  of  its  purpose  so  to  do,  and 
upon  paying  to  the  said  Department,  or  depositing  to  its  credit  with 
a  reputable  trust  company  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  a  sum  not 
exceeding  $25,000  or  some  less  sum  as  shall  equal  the  then  value 
of  the  improvements  erected  by  the  said  Department  upon  such  tract 
of  land  under  this  dedication. 

3.  This  dedication,  if  not  terminated  sooner  under  the  con- 
ditions and  provisions  above  recited,  shall  absolutely  cease  and  ter- 

36 


minate  at  the  end  of  ninety-nine  years  from  the  first  day  of  January, 
1893,  without  notice,  and  without  liabiHty  on  the  part  of  this  Com- 
pany to  pay  for  the  improvements. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  be  authorized  to  have  prepared, 
duly  executed  under  the  corporate  seal  of  this  Company,  dul)'^  ac- 
knowledged and  recorded,  such  written  evidence  of  this  dedication, 
and  the  terms  thereof,  as  he  may  be  advised  is  necessary,  to  effectu- 
ate the  purposes  and  secure  the  conditions  set  out  and  described  in 
the  last  foregoing  resolution. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolution  passed  at  the  meeting  of  this 
Board  held  November  9th,  1892,  in  reference  to  the  lease  of  said  tract 
of  land,  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  rescinded. 

Attest: 

(Signed  by)  J.  C.  Sims, 

Secretary. 

The  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company. 
Office  of  the  Secretary,  Philadelphia. 

I  Hereby  Certify  That  the  following  is  a  true  and  correct  copy 
from  the  minutes  of  a  resolution  adopted  at  a  meeting  of  the  Board 
of  Directors  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  held  at  the 
office  of  the  Company,  in  the  City  of  Philadelphia,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  day  of  January,  1893,  namely: 

Resolved  that  the  General  Manager  be  and  he  is  hereby  autho- 
rized to  donate,  for  and  on  behalf  of  this  Company,  the  sum  of  ten 
thousand  dollars  to  the  building  fund  of  the  proposed  new  building 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men 's  Chris- 
tian Association,  to  be  erected  on  the  lot  of  ground  at  Forty-first 
Street  and  Westminster  Avenue,  West  Philadelphia,  dedicated  to  the 
uses  of  said  Department  by  action  of  this  board  of  directors  adopted 
January  25,  1893,  provided  the  necessary  amount  is  subscribed  to 
complete  the  building,  $5,000  of  said  sum  to  be  paid  when  the  foun- 
dation walls  of  said  building  are  finished,  and  the  balance  to  be  paid 
when  the  roof  thereon  has  been  completed. 

Attest: 

(Signed  by)  J.  C.  Sims, 

Secretary. 

37 


Mr.  Latta  called  around  him  a  number  of  railroad  men,  and  at 
a  meeting  of  whom  in  his  ofHice  in  the  late  fall  of  1890  started  a  build- 
ing fund  by  requesting  those  present  to  subscribe  then  and  there  such 
sums  as  they  thought  they  could  conveniently  spare.  The  request 
was  promptly  and  cheerfully  met  by  each  one  present,  and  quite  a 
sum  of  money  was  pledged,  forming  the  nest-egg  for  the  large  sum 
of  money  that  was  afterwards  raised.  With  this  in  hand  Mr.  Latta 
named  the  following  a  building  committee,  whose  efforts  were  to  be 
directed  towards  securing  a  proper  building : 

Building  Committbe. 

James  S.  StackhousE,  Ticket  Receiver,  Chairman. 
Charles  E.  Pugh,  General  Manager. 
William  J.  Latta,  General  Agent. 
Joseph  T.  Richards,  Assistant  Chief  Engineer. 
W.  D.  Garrett,  Master  Mechanic. 

A.  FeldpauchE,  Architect. 
Solomon  G.  GronE,  Station  Master. 
Samuel  H.  Wallace,  Ticket  Agent. 

William  A.  PaTTOn,  General  Assistant  to  the  President. 
William  H.  George,  Telegraph  Operator. 
Alfred  McMinn,  Locomotive  Engineer. 
E.  W.  KiLLEY,  Locomotive  Engineer. 

B.  F.  BuFFiNGTON,  Superintendent  Roundhouse. 
William  B.  Wilson,  Freight  Agent,  Kensington. 
Samuel  J.  Barclay,  Superintendent,  Mantua  Transfer. 

The  year  1891  was  largely  occupied  in  perfecting  plans  and 
arranging  the  details  for  a  rapid  canvass  for  securing  funds.  The 
management  of  the  Department  for  the  year  was  entrusted  to  the 
following : 

Chairman,  GeorgE  H.  GronE. 
Vice-Chairman,  DaniEL  W.  FrEAS. 
Recording  Secretary,  William  H.  GEOrgE. 
Treasurer,  J.  A.  KeESbERRY. 
Secretary,  William  N.  Multer. 
Assistant  Secretary,  G.  H.  MiddlETon. 


38 


Chairmen  of  Committees. 

Executive,  Charles  G.  Cadwallader. 
Library,  W.  H.  Barron. 
Educational,  G.  H.  Marcy. 
Entertainment,  W.  H.  FrEAS. 
Membership,  G.  W.  Gill. 
Sick  Visiting,  D.  W.  Freas. 
Boarding  House,  N.  L-  PhEnEgER. 
Reception,  John  Erskine. 
Religious  Work,  J.  A.  KeESbERRY. 
Publication,  J.  A,  KeesbERRY. 

Ladies'  Auxiliary. 

Chairman,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Killey. 
Vice-Chairman,  Mrs.  E.  W.  CubbERLY. 
Secretary,  Mrs.  G.  W.  Gill. 
Treasurer,  Mrs.  B.  B.  Thompson. 

IvYCEUM. 

Chairman,  W.  H.  FrEas. 
Vice-Chairman,  Mrs.  B.  B.  Thompson. 
Secretary  and  Treasurer,  J.  W.  Cox. 
Editor,  G.  H.  MiddlETOn. 
Assistant  Editor,  Miss  Bair. 

The  designating  titles  of  the  above  committees  show  the  scope 
of  the  Department's  activities  for  the  year.  The  results  are  shown 
in  the  report  of  Chairman  Grone,  which  contains  the  following: 

"The  present  building  has,  however,  been  adequate  for  much 
valuable  work,  and  in  it  has  been  shown  experimentally  what  rail- 
road men  can  do  for  their  own  benefit  and  advancement  along  social, 
intellectual  and  religious  lines.  The  extent  of  work  in  every  direction 
has  been  limited  only  by  lack  of  space.  In  each  line  it  has  been  good 
in  quality  and  successful. 

"Such  of  the  men  as  felt  the  need  of  religious  associations  and 
helps  found  it  here  free  from  all  sectarianism,  and  congenial,  because 
it  was  the  fellowship  and  experience  of  railroad  men  that  underlay 
it  all.     Unobtrusive,  yet  earnest,  it  has  been  a  power  for  good. 

"The  total  attendance  at  the  Tuesday  evening  cottage  meetings 
for  the  year  was  295;  daily  prayers  had  an  attendance  of  397;  the 

39 


Sunday  afternoon  meetings  for  railroad  men  and  their  families  were 
attended  by  1883.  During  the  last  three  months  there  were  33  pres- 
ent at  social  Bible  study.  There  were  three  special  meetings  held 
during  the  year  with  an  attendance  of  2500.  Two  meetings  were 
held  for  boys,  with  an  attendance  of  16,  making  a  total  attendance 
at  our  religious  meetings  during  the  year  5124.  It  affords  us  great 
pleasure  to  report  the  spiritual  interests  well  maintained,  and  close 
the  year's  work  feeling  much  encouraged. 

"The  intellectual  department  has  been  so  successful  during  the 
past,  and  the  classes  so  well  attended,  that  after  carefully  consider- 
ing the  wants  of  the  railroad  men,  it  was  determined,  in  connection 
with  the  penmanship,  arithmetic,  bookkeeping,  stenography  and 
typewriting,  which  are  being  taught,  to  organize  a  class  in  mechan- 
ical draughting,  and  that  no  mistake  was  made  in  forming  this  class 
has  been  proved  by  the  attendance;  the  total  attendance  upon  edu- 
cational classes  was  461,  which  is  included  in  the  short  winter  term 
alone.  Our  library,  we  are  pleased  to  note,  is  still  growing,  and  in 
order  to  accommodate  the  108  new  books  received  during  the  year, 
we  were  compelled  to  secure  a  new  set  of  shelving.  That  our  members 
appreciate  good  literature  is  fully  demonstrated  by  the  fact  that 
1034  books  were  drawn  during  the  year.  The  reading-room  and  the 
42  newspapers  and  magazines  continue  to  attract  many  railroad 
men  and  their  friends.  The  Lyceum,  with  its  mock  trials,  recita- 
tions, etc.,  was  much  enjoyed  by  the  765  persons  who  attended, 
and  has  been  very  beneficial  to  our  aspiring  orators. 

"Our  monthly  magazine  has  reached  a  point  where  we  feel  that 
it  is  second  to  none  devoted  to  association  work,  and  it  is  a  source 
of  great  satisfaction  to  know  that  the  officers  and  employes  of  the 
Company  appreciate  it,  and  that  the  press  of  this  State  and  New 
Jersey  have  spoken  of  it  in  the  highest  terms.  It  has  come  to  be 
recognized  as  the  organ  of  work  for  a  large  section,  and  the  Pennsyl- 
vania State  Committee  has  authorized  a  direct  subscription  for  a 
large  number  of  copies  for  general  use  in  the  State. 

"The  social  department  has  been  fully  provided  for,  and  the 
entertainments  given  were  of  a  character  that  would  tend  to  elevate 
the  morals,  entertain  and  instruct  at  the  same  time;  and  while  the 
attendance  was  1985,  it  would  have  more  than  doubled  that  figure 
but  for  the  cramped  condition  of  our  rooms,  which  necessitated  our 
turning  many  friends  away,  as  they  could  not  gain  admittance  to 
the  lecture-room. 

"The  Ladies'  Auxiliary,  with  a  complete  corps  of  officers,  has 

40 


proven  a  great  help  to  the  Department,  and  our  members  are  very 
grateful  for  their  kind  efforts  to  make  our  rooms  home-like  and  pro- 
vide pleasant  receptions  for  the  men. 

"The  general  attendance  during  the  year  was  as  follows: 

Daily  visitors.. 13,212 

Committee  meetings... 520 

Religious  meetings 5,124 

Secular  meetings 2,446 

Total 21,302 

"The  limitation  upon  our  work,  and  the  fact  that  many  were 
unable  to  get  in  at  entertainments,  have  necessarily  affected  the  mem- 
bership, but  in  spite  of  this  it  has  begun  again  to  increase,  and  we 
close  the  year  with  171  members  in  good  standing. 

"The  financial  question  in  the  past  has  been  one  that  has  caused 
considerable  anxiety,  as  we  have  been  carrying  a  floating  debt  since 
our  organization,  which  it  seemed  impossible  to  wipe  out,  but  this, 
too,  has  been  one  of  the  recent  great  advances  of  the  work.  Through 
the  kindness  of  the  officers  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company 
we  are  able  to  close  the  year  1891  free  of  debt,  and  start  1892  with 
a  clean  sheet."  

1892. 

The  Department  organization  for  1892  was  as  follows: 

Chairman,  Charles  G.  Cadwallader. 
Vice-Chairman,  James  S.  Stackhouse. 
Recording  Secretary,  William  H.  George. 
Treasurer,  William  B.  Wilson. 
Secretary,  William  N.  MultER. 
Assistant  Secretary,  G.  H.  MiddlETOn. 

Chairmen  of  Committees. 
Executive,  Charles  G.  Cadwallader. 
Finance,  GEORGE  R.  HowELL. 
Library,  W.  H.  Barron. 
Educational,  G.  H.  Marcy. 
Entertainment,  N.  C.  Davis. 
Publication,  William  H.  George. 
Membership,  George  H.  GronE. 
Sick  Visiting,  DaniEL  W.  Freas. 
Reception,  W.  H.  FrEas. 
Religious  Work,  William  H.  George. 

4' 


The  officers  for  the  Ladies'  Auxihary  and  the  Lyceum  were 
the  same  as  in  the  preceding  year. 

Home  building  was  the  keynote  for  the  year,  and  although 
the  definite  work  of  the  Department  was  more  or  less  subordinate 
to  that  project,  its  activity  was  not  materially  diminished. 

Early  in  the  year  the  Advisory  Board,  to  which  Mr.  William 
A.  Patton  had  been  added,  met  and  recommended  that  the  Depart- 
ment erect  a  building  suitable  for  its  purposes.  The  Building 
Committee,  taking  up  the  recommendation  of  the  Board,  at  a  meet- 
ing in  May  adopted  the  plans  prepared  by  Thomas  P.  Londsale, 
an  able  architect.  At  the  same  meeting  the  members  of  the  com- 
mittee personally  pledged  themselves  for  a  sum  of  money  aggre- 
gating $950  to  be  applied  to  construction  purposes.  It  was  also 
in  May  that  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  of  Philadelphia  made  to  the  Department  an  appropria- 
tion of  $5000  for  the  same  purpose.  With  this  encouragement 
a  Committee  on  Finance  was  appointed  as  follows: 

George  R.  Howell,  agent,  Washington  Avenue  and  Broad 
Street;  W.  B.  Wilson,  agent,  Kensington;  S.  C.  Pearson,  chief  clerk, 
Seventeenth  and  Market;  Samuel  J.  Barclay,  agent,  Mantua  Trans- 
fer; George  H.  Morrison,  chief  clerk.  Thirtieth  and  Market;  J.  S. 
Stackhouse,  ticket  receiver.  Broad  Street  Station;  R.  I.  Heim,  chief 
clerk,  233  South  Fourth;  George  H.  Grone,  clerk,  Broad  and  Wash- 
ington Avenue;  Elijah  Pugh,  R.  W.  Marshall,  Joseph  M.  Cardeza, 
J.  R.  Erringer,  D.  T.  A. ;  M.  K.  Reeves,  chief  clerk,  233  South  Fourth; 
H.  J.  Fillman,  D.  T.  A. ;  Mr.  Hackett,  D.  T.  A. ;  James  McConkey, 
chief  clerk,  Thirty-second  below  Market ;  R.  L.  Hannum,  yard  mas- 
ter, Greenwich  Coal  Piers;  S.  G.  Grone,  station  master.  Broad  Street 
Station;  I.  W.  Van  Houton,  superintendent.  West  Philadelphia  shops. 

This  committee  met  in  June,  and  electing  Robert  S.  Beatty, 
agent  at  Engelside,  as  its  chairman,  appointed  the  following  sub- 
committees to  make  a  thorough  canvass  for  funds,  with  authority 
to  each  sub-committee  to  make  as  many  sub-divisions  as  would 
expedite  the  work: 

Sub-Committees  on  Finance. 

fourth  street  office. 

J.  S.  Stackhouse,  Chairman. 
W.  A.  Patton,  R.  I.  Heim, 

John  M.  Harding,  George  H.  Grone. 

42 


PASSENGER  STATIONS. 

S.  H.  Wallace,  Chairman. 
S.  G.  Grone,  R.  W.  Marshall, 

Joseph  Cardeza,  George  B.  Cramer. 

FREIGHT-TRAIN  MEN. 

S.  C.  Pierson,  Chairman. 
R.  L.  Hannum,  A,  McMinn, 

James  McConkey,  C.  H.  Senior, 

J.  G.  Gilmour,  B.  F.  Miller. 

INSPECTORS,  YARD  AND  TRACK  MEN. 

W.  H.  Barron,  Chairman. 
Carver  McMinn,  G.  W.  Albright. 

FREIGHT  STATION  MEN. 

W.  B.  Wilson,  Chairman. 
James  Hackett,  J.  F.  Myers, 

George  Morrison,  N.  C.  Davis. 

OPERATORS  AND  LEVERMEN. 

W.  H.  George,  Chairm,an. 
D.  W.  Freas,  G.  W.  Gill, 

W.  H.  Freas. 

OUTSIDE  OF  EMPLOYES. 

C.  G.  Cadwallader,  Chairman. 
W.  J.  Latta,  Elijah  Pugh, 

C.  E.  Pugh,  A.  Feldpauche, 

G.  R.  Howell,  W.  H.  Hammersly, 

W.  N.  Multer. 

ROUNDHOUSES  AND  SHOPS. 

H.  D.  Garratt,  Chairman. 
I.  W.  Van  Houten,  Charles  Knapp, 

R.  F.  Buffington,  Mr.  Peacock, 

A.  W.  Shannon,  B.  F.  Kennedy, 

John  L.  Elder,  E.  W.  Killey, 

Frank  Farrell,  Wm.  Jackson, 

Thomas  A.  Sherin. 

43 


The  canvass  for  funds  was  now  on,  and  before  it  was  completed 
280  railroad  men  were  actively  engaged  in  it.  The  committee, 
inspired  by  the  promised  subscription  of  $10,000  by  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad  Company,  the  amount  appropriated  by  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  and  that  pledged  by  the  members  of 
the  committee,  entered  enthusiastically  on  the  canvass.  By  the  end 
of  August  generous  responses  had  been  made  by  3000  persons,  and 
by  October  3800,  while  the  close  of  the  year  found  the  subscription 
lists  containing  4200  names  and  the  Department  with  sufficient 
cash  in  hand  and  pledged  amounts  to  warrant  it  in  making  final 
arrangements  for  the  erection  of  the  building. 

Notwithstanding  the  activity  of  the  building  canvass  the  usual 
work  of  the  Department  was  uninterrupted,  and  that  of  the  fall 
and  winter  was  carried  on  with  renewed  energy.  The  scope  of  the 
latter  is  shown  in  the  following  prospectus  for  that  period : 

Prospectus. 

Fall  and  Winter,  1892-1893. 

The  Department  has  conducted  Education  Classes,  fitting 
men  for  their  work,  aiding  them  in  securing  work,  preparing  men 
for  better  positions,  proven  its  value  to  every  aspiring  railroad 
man. 

The  Educational  Features. — N.  C.  Davis,  who  has  been  so 
successful  with  classes  in  Stenography  during  the  past  years,  has 
been  secured  as  instructor  for  the  coming  season.  Particular  at- 
tention will  be  paid  to  beginners.  The  progress  scholars  make 
in  one  season,  under  Mr.  Davis'  instruction  in  Stenography,  is 
remarkable. 

Typewriting  is  taught  at  the  same  time  and  by  the  same 
instructor.     Machines  provided. 

J.  J.  Sparling,  Professor  of  Bookkeeping  and  Penmanship  in 
Prickett's  Business  College,  will  instruct  the  classes  both  in  Pen- 
manship and  Bookkeeping  during  the  season. 

Leon  Long,  draughtsman  in  the  West  Philadelphia  shops, 
will  have  charge  of  the  class  in  Mechanical  Draughting.  This  is 
an  opportunity  to  learn  practical  work  from  a  practical  workman — 
just  what  you  want. 

44 


WILLIAM  J.  LATTA, 
Chairman,  1893-1899. 


In  all  these  classes  we  will  require  that  there  shall  be  10  names 
of  students  registered  at  the  opening  of  the  classes  or  before,  and 
that   the   number    in    attendance    shall    average   at   least   8  each 


evenmg. 


The  Library  contains  800  volumes,  and  is  open  to  all  members. 
Books  may  be  sent  to  the  rooms,  and  others  returned  to  any  point 
in  the  section  of  Philadelphia  by  railroad  service. 

The  Literary  Society  has  been  the  centre  of  attraction  to  a 
large  number  of  the  men  who  like  argument,  and  this  season  has  in 
mind  to  make  the  battles  still  hotter  than  any  before. 

Monday  evening. Cottage  Meeting. 

.  f  Stenography. 

Tuesday  evenmg.. <^  _ 

■^  \  Lyceum. 

Wednesday  evening Open, 

Thursday  evening Mechanical  Drawing. 

r  Bookkeeping. 
Friday  evening <!  Penmanship. 

I  Arithmetic. 

Saturday  evening Bible  Study. 

Sunday  afternoon,  at  4.15,  Gospel  Meeting  for  railroad  men  and 
their  families. 


1893. 

The  year  1893  opened  with  a  bright  outlook  for  the  future, 
and  the  strength  of  the  movement  was  shown  in  the  reorganization 
which  was  effected  March  16.     The  organization  was  as  follows: 

Board  of  Management. 

William  J.  Latta,  General  Agent,  P.  R.  R.,  Chairman. 

W.  B.  Wilson,    Superintendent    Mantua   Transfer,    1st    Vice- 
Chairman. 

C.  G.  CadwalladER,  Assistant  Ticket  Agent,  P.  R.  R.,  2d  Vice- 
Chair  man. 

J.  Q.  A.  Herring,  Manager  Adams  Express  Co.,  3d  Vice-Chair- 
man. 

George  H.  Grone,  Clerk,  P.  R.  R.,  4th  Vice-Chairman. 

J.  B.  Stauffer,  Broad  Street  Station,  Treasurer. 

W.  H.  George,  Telegraph  Operator,  P.  R.  R.,  Secretary. 

45 


Board. 

Jos.  T.  Richards,  Engineer  Maintenance  of  Way,  P.  R.  R. 
R.  S.  Beatty,  Agent,  P.  R.  R.,  Engelside. 
J.  S.  StackhousE,  Ticket  Receiver,  P.  R.  R. 
S.  G.  Grone,  Station  Master,  Broad  Street. 

C.  H.  Senior,  Road  Foreman  Engines,  P.  R.  R. 
Roger  Hendley,  Architect,  P.  R.  R. 

A.  McMiNN,  Locomotive  Engineer,  P.  R.  R. 
Frank  Farrell,  Locomotive  Engineer,  P.  R.  R. 

B.  B.  Thompson,  Conductor,  P.  R.  R. 
Samuel  Knowles,  Conductor,  P.  R.  R. 
H.  M.  Forbes,  Adams  Express  Co. 

J.  O.  Harrison,  Adams  Express  Co. 
N.  C.  Davis,  Stenographer,  P.  R.  R. 

D.  W.  Freas,  Assistant  Yard  Master,  P.  R.  R. 
W.  H.  Barron,  Assistant  Yard  Master,  P.  R.  R. 
Carver  McMinn,  Foreman  of  Repairs,  P.  R.  R. 

E.  H.  KiLGORE,  Assistant  Post-Master,  P.  R.  R. 
J.  A.  Keesberry,  Car  Record  Office,  P.  R.  R. 
Geo.  H.  Marcy,  Engineer,  P.  R.  R. 

T.  A.  ShEERin,  Fireman,  P.  R.  R. 

Wm.  Jackson,  Fireman,  P.  R.  R. 

W.  H.  Freas,  Leverman,  P.  R.  R. 

John  A.  Thompson,  Maintenance  of  Way,  P.  R.  R. 

Geo.  M.  Stewart,  Assistant  Foreman  Smith  Shop,  P.  R.  R. 

R.  F.  BuFEiNGTON,  Roundhouse  Foreman,  P.  R.  R. 

Michael  Bachert,  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Shops. 

A.  E.  LovETT,  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Shops. 

Samuel  Mansfield,  Assistant  Yard  Master,  P.  R.  R, 

W.  N.  MuLTER,  General  Secretary. 

Committees. 

Executive  Committee. 

Charles  G.  Cadwallader,  George  H.  Grone, 

Chairman.  James  S.  Stackhouse, 

William  B.  Wilson,  William  H.  George, 

William  A.  Patton,  Solomon  G.  Grone, 

Robert  S.  Beatty. 

46 


Finance  Committee. 


R.  S.  Beatty, 

Chairman. 
W.  B.  Wilson, 
S.  C.  Pearson, 
G.  H.  Morrison, 
J.  S.  Stackhouse, 
R.  I.  Heim, 
M.  K.  Reeves, 
G.  H.  Grone, 


Jos.  Cardeza, 

D.  R.  Erringer, 

James  McConkey, 

R.  L.  Hannum, 

S.  G.  Grone, 

I.  W.  Van  Houten, 

A.  Feldpauche, 

W.  H.  Hammersley, 

J.  Q.  A.  Herring. 


Membership  Committee. 


G.  H.  Grone, 

Chairman. 
T.  A.  Sheerin, 
J.  A.  Keesberry, 
H.  O.  Bender, 
C.  H.  Senior, 
R.  L.  Hannum, 
Jno.  Erskine, 
W.  H.  Freas, 
G.  W.  Gill, 
Frank  Farrell, 
E.  W.  Killey, 
H.  J.  Kromer, 
T.  E.  Riley, 
W.  H.  Hammersley, 
Roger  Harkinson, 
Wm.  Jackson, 
Wm.  Smith, 
Justice  Law, 
J.  W.  Cox, 
E.  H.  Kilgore, 
C.  C.  Kinney, 
Walter  Berry, 
J.  O.  Harrison, 
Lewis  Morrison, 
Samuel  Isling, 
Carver  McMinn, 


D.  S.  Bradin, 
B.  F.  Miller, 
Chas.  Mann, 
J.  C.  Newberry, 
B.  B.  Thompson, 
F.  D.  Kinney, 
S.  G.  Grone, 
W.  H.  Barron, 
Wm.  Megary, 
Jos.  Farrell, 
W.  O.  Blood, 
H.  M.  Forbes, 
Wm.  H.  Connelly, 
J.  M.  Thompson, 
R.  L  Heim, 

D.  W.  Cox, 
H.  P.  Bloom, 

E.  F.  Peacock, 
W.  F.  L.  Vandell, 
L.  S.  Morrison, 
L.  L.  Tilton, 
Peter  Snyder, 

E.  C.  Green, 
A.  McMinn, 
Chas.  W.  Valentine, 
W.  S.  Murphy, 
A.  Hughs, 
H.  Fondersmith. 


47 


Educational  Committee. 


Geo.  H.  Marcy, 

Chairman. 
W.  J.  Lawson, 

Secretary. 


J.  W.  Cox, 
Jesse  Crouse, 
Roger  Harkinson, 
Wm,  Kilgore, 
H.  J.  Kromer. 


J.  T.  Richards, 

Chairman. 
Roger  Hendley, 
A.  Feldpauche, 
C.  B.  Pugh, 
J.  O.  A.  Herring, 
H.l).  Garrett, 


Building  Committee. 

S.  H.  Wallace, 
W.  Hammersley, 
S.  G.  Grone, 
A.  McMinn, 
J.  S.  Stackhouse, 
W.  B.  Wilson, 
C.  G.  Cadwallader, 
I.  L/.  Cummins. 


Fitting  and  Furnishing  Committee. 


J.  Q.  A.  Herring, 

Chairman. 
C.  G.  Cadwallader, 
G.  H.  Grone, 
R.  S.  Beatty, 
Roger  Hendley, 
S.  C.  Pearson, 
H.  M.  Forbes, 
G.  R.  Howell, 
F.  H.  Meyers, 
J.  C.  Webb, 


C.  Y.  Vandergrift, 
Mrs.  B.  B.  Thompson, 
Mrs.  G.  W.  Gill, 
Mrs.  Frank  Farrell, 
Mrs.  W.  H.  George, 
Mrs.  W.  Seery, 
Miss  Ida  Curl, 
Mrs.  Booz, 
Mrs.  W.  N.  Multer, 
Mrs.  C.  G.  Cadwallader, 
Mrs.  E.  C.  Johnson. 


Publication  Committee. 


W.  B.  Wilson, 

Chairman. 


J.  W.  Cox, 

J.  W.  Thompson. 


Library  Committee. 


W.  H.  Barron, 

Chairman. 
D.  W.  Freas, 


John  Erskine, 
T.  A.  Sheerin. 


48 


Religious  Work  Committee. 


W.  H.  George, 

Chairman. 
Wm.  Jackson, 

Secretary. 
W.  H.  Barron, 
T.  A.  Sheerin, 
D.  W.  Freas, 
J.  A.  Keesberry, 
G.  H.  Grone, 


Jno.  Erskine, 
E.  H.  Kilgore, 
J.  W.  Cox, 
Philip  Reaininger, 
Chas.  Knapp, 
B.  B.  Thompson, 
W.  H.  Freas, 
W.  K.  Schroeder, 
S.  D.  Mansfield, 
John  Downs. 


Sick  Visitation  Committee. 


D.  W.  Freas, 

Chairman. 
J.  A.  Keesberry, 

Secretary. 
T.  A.  Sheerin, 
Frank  Farrell, 
Wm.  Jackson, 
J.  W.  Hingley, 
A.  McMinn, 
Samuel  Knowles, 


W.  H.  Freas, 
Jno.  Erskine, 
J.  W.  Cox, 
H.  J.  Flood, 
R.  B.  Berry, 
Chas.  Knapp, 

B.  B.  Thompson, 

C.  H.  Senior, 
W.  H.  Barron, 
H.  J.  Kromer. 


Literary  Committee. 


W.  L.  Megary, 

Chairman. 
W.  H.  George, 


J.  W.  Cox, 
W.  H.  Freas, 
G.  H.  Marcy. 


Entertainment  Committee. 


N.  C.  Davis, 

Chairman. 
W.  L.  Megary, 
G.  M.  Kern, 
G.  H.  Grone, 
S.  W.  Crowe, 


Wm,  Nassau, 
C.  C.  Kinney, 
W.  H.  Barnes, 
Robt.  Hammersley, 
G.  S.  Morrison, 
Wm.  A.  White. 


49 


Reception  Committee. 

C.  G.  Cadwallader,  W.  H.  Johnson, 

Chairm,an.  Wm.  Jackson, 

Frank  Barber,  W.  H.  Kilgore, 

Secretary.  Geo.  R.  Howell, 

J.  W.  Cox,  A.  McMinn, 

N.  C.  Davis,  W.  K.  Schroeder, 

Jno.  Erskine,  T.  A.  Sheerin, 

W.  H.  Freas,  Roger  Harkinson, 

Frank  Farrell,  Walter  Barry, 

S.  G.  Grone,  J.  A,  Keesberry, 

R.  F.  Buffington. 

Junior  Department  Committee. 

J.  A.  Keesberry,  G.  R.  Howell, 

Chairman.  G.  H.  Marcy, 

N.  C.  Davis,  D.  W.  Freas, 

Secretary.  E.  H.  Kilgore, 

W.  Iv.  Megary. 

Advisory  Committee. 

N.  P.  Shortridge,  B.  B.  Comegys, 

Chairman.  W.  H.  Barnes, 

W.  J.  Latta,  H.  D.  Welsh, 

Hon.  John  Scott,  R.  W.  Smith, 

W.  A.  Patton,  J.  C.  Sims, 

Chas.  E.  Pugh. 

On  the  25th  of  January  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad  Company  formally  made  dedication  of  the  grounds 
at  Forty-first  Street  and  Westminster  Avenue,  and  appropriated 
ten  thousand  dollars  towards  the  erection  of  the  Department's 
building  thereon  (see  pages  35-37).  on  March  23,  Joseph  T, 
Richards,  Chairman  of  the  Building  Committee,  reported  the  com- 
pletion of  the  plans  and  letting  of  the  contract  for  construction. 
Work  of  excavation  for  the  foundations  was  ordered  to  start  on 
May  1.  In  anticipation,  on  the  evening  of  April  27,  Daniel  W.  Freas, 
Carver  McMinn,  Branson  Thompson,  William  H.  Freas  and  William 
N.  Multer  went  voluntarily  on  the  ground,  where,  after  prayer  said 
by  Mr.  Multer,  Mr.  D.  W.  Freas  cast  up  the  first  shovelful  of  dirt. 

50 


DANIEL  W.  FREAS, 
Who  cast  the  first  shovel  of  dirt  from  excavation  for  the  Main  Building. 


The  last  general  meeting  of  the  Department  at  3G07  Haverford 
Street  was  that  of  the  commencement  of  the  educational  classes 
held  on  the  evening  of  April  18.  The  number  of  persons  assembled 
was  so  large  that  the  capacity  of  the  building  was  taxed  to  the  ut- 
most, while  many  persons  had  to  turn  away,  being  unable  to  gain 
admission.  In  the  absence  of  Chairman  Latta,  Mr.  William  B. 
Wilson,  First  Vice-Chairman,  presided,  and  opened  the  exercises 
by  saying: 

"The  Chairman  of  our  Department,  Mr.  William  J.  Latta,  has 
been  debarred  by  previous  engagements,  which  could  not  be  annulled, 
from  being  present  with  you  tonight.  He,  however,  congratu- 
lates the  Committee  on  Educational  Classes  and  the  tutors  for  the 
patience  and  faithfulness  with  which,  under  very  adverse  circum- 
stances, they  have  pursued  the  work  they  had  undertaken,  and  on 
the  grand  results  which  have  ensued,  and  which  are  so  apparent 
tonight. 

"He  also  congratulates  the  students  on  the  wisdom  of  their 
choice  of  studies,  for  their  attention,  their  application,  and  on  the 
advancement  they  have  made. 

"To  them  the  world  of  business  is  open,  and  upon  themselves 
must  depend  the  position  they  gain  in  that  world. 

"Beyond  adding  my  own  congratulations,  there  is  but  little 
more  for  me  to  say,  but  that  little  I  cannot  refrain  from  saying. 

"In  addressing  myself  to  the  students  who  have  made  such 
good  use  of  their  time  and  opportunities,  I  would  remind  them  that 
the  road  to  success  lies  through  a  wilderness  of  trials  and  tribula- 
tions. There  are  many  inviting  side  paths  leading  from  the 
main  highway,  over  which  the  perfumes  of  flowers  are  wafted, 
alluring  the  traveler  into  unknown  fields  or  the  quicksands  of  the 
swamps. 

"Beware  of  the  pathways.  Keep  to  the  main  road.  Endure 
the  dampness  of  the  dews  of  the  morning,  the  heat  of  the  noonday 
sun,  and  the  chilliness  of  the  evening,  preceding  the  world's  robing 
itself  in  the  sombre  fabric  of  night. 

"You  may  encounter  storms,  but  don't  shrink  from  their  frowns ; 
the  smiles  of  the  sun  are  behind  them  and  will  beam  upon  you! 

"  Don't  rely  upon  influences  to  help  you  on  your  way,  other  than 
those  emanating  from  your  own  good  works.  Patronage  and  power 
as  they  drive  by  may  offer  to  carry  you  part  way  over  the  road  on 
their  '  tallyho. '  Decline  the  invitation,  for,  when  you  are  set  down 
by  the  wayside,  as  you  assuredly  will  be,  to  pursue  your  way  alone, 

51 


you  will  be  wearier  than  you  were  before,  the  road  will  be  apparently 
longer,  more  difficult  to  travel,  and  the  visions  of  reward  will  grow 
dimmer  to  your  sight. 

"This  Department  has  brought  you  to  the  beginning  of  the  road 
and  bids  you  'God-speed!'  Honest,  untiring,  unbending  endeavor 
to  advance  must  now  be  your  guide.  You  are  well  clad  for  your 
journey.  As  you  plod  along,  don't  waste  your  equipment  and 
lengthen  the  road  by  stopping  to  speculate  upon  the  outcome  of 
your  venture,  or  to  give  way  to  despondency  because  the  keeper  of  the 
roadway  seems  not  to  give  you  coveted  recognition.  If  such  periods 
do  come  to  you,  push  on,  consoling  yourselves  with  the  truth  that 
the  lonely  sentinel  wearily  pacing  his  beat  on  the  distant  watch- 
tower  is  closer  to  the  thoughts  and  care  of  his  commander  than  the 
gayly  dressed  trooper  dancing  attendance  at  headquarters. 

"Study  a  true  manhood,  of  which  industry,  sobriety  and 
earnest  resolve  are  essentials.     lyive  a  man! 

"  I  will  here  repeat  what  I  have  on  similar  occasions  said  to 
young  men: 

"It  is  a  fault  of  our  popular  education  to  set  up  the  world's 
heroes  as  guides  to  young  men,  and  this  in  the  face  of  the  undisputed 
fact  that  the  olive  branch  in  the  hands  of  Christ  is  a  much  better 
lesson  for  the  student  to  dwell  upon  than  the  sword  in  the  hands 
of  an  Alexander. 

"The  true  type  of  manhood  is  not  found  in  Achilles  before  the 
walls  of  Troy,  Hannibal  crossing  the  Alps,  Caesar  passing  the  Rubi- 
con, or  Bonaparte  encountering  the  rigors  of  a  Russian  winter. 
These  are  perhaps  a  correct  type  of  the  overcoming  man — a  false 
manhood,  capable  of  overshadowing  for  a  time  the  finer  objects 
of  man's  creation,  engulfing  virtue,  meekness  and  the  love  for 
others  in  the  whirlpool  of  personal  ambitions.  The  lamb  submitting 
itself  to  be  shorn  for  the  benefit  of  others  is  a  more  correct  type  of 
manhood  than  the  lion  devouring  everything  in  his  pathway. 

"A  lowly  and  unpretentious  life,  lived  self-sacrificingly  and 
full  of  desire  to  benefit  others  rather  than  one's  self,  with  a  reveren- 
tial observance  of  God's  laws,  will  produce  manhood,  whilst  efforts 
in  any  other  direction  will  fail.  I  would  say  to  you,  aim  low.  See 
a  beautiful  pile  of  church  architecture.  See  its  shapely  and  grace- 
ful spire  reaching  high  up  in  the  air;  it  is  attractive  to  the  eye,  and 
elicits  wonder,  but  it  is  hollow  and  useless — a  very  burden  on  the 
building  below.  Beneath  the  spire,  however,  underground  and  out 
of  sight,  are  blocks  of  stone  firmly  cemented  together,  forming  the 

52 


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foundation  which  not  only  supports  an  audience  chamber  to  wor- 
ship God  in,  but  the  useless  spire  itself. 

"Aim  to  be  foundations,  not  spires;  for  foundations  stand  when 
spires  fall. 

"You  have,  no  doubt,  been  often  told  that  you  live  in  a  pro- 
gressive age.  That  is  true.  It  is  also  true  that  every  age,  from  the 
dawn  of  the  Christian  era  until  the  present  day,  has  been  progres- 
sive, and  all  ages  to  come  until  time  sinks  into  eternity  will  be  pro- 
gressive, for  Christianity  is  progressive.  The  closer,  therefore,  you 
live  in  the  model  Christ  laid  down,  the  greater  your  progress  and 
success  will  be. 

"Do  all  things  well,  and  all  things  will  come  to  3'-ou;  and  then, 
when  the  haven  is  reached,  you  will  be  greeted  with  love's  incense, 
sweet  music,  enrapturing  smiles,  the  songs  of  birds,  delicate  flowers, 
delicious  fruits,  cooling  waters,  gentle  breezes,  and  God's  all-im- 
portant approval. 

The  programme  arranged  for  the  evening  was  an  attractive  one, 
consisting  of  the  awarding  of  diplomas,  orchestral  music,  piano 
solos,  recitations,  speeches  by  Mr.  John  Q.  A.  Herring,  Captain 
Charles  G.  Cadwallader,  Mr.  George  C.  Marcy  and  Mr.  Naylor  C. 
Davis,  the  whole  concluding  with  an  informal  reception.  The  last 
meeting  of  the  Board  of  Management  in  this  building  was  held 
on  May  4,  which  it  was  reported  that  $34,801.24  in  money  and  $1100 
in  material  had  been  contributed  and  was  available  for  building 
purposes.  On  May  10,  the  Department  moved  its  quarters  to  4028 
Westminster  Avenue,  so  that  its  officers  could  have  a  better  super- 
vision of  the  building  operations.  It  held  its  first  meeting  there 
on  May  18,  with  a  total  membership  enrolled  of  224.  The  work 
of  laying  the  foundations  for  the  new  building  progressed  so  rapidly 
that  they  were  ready  for  the  corner-stone  early  in  June. 

Laying  of  the  Corner-Stone. 

The  laying  of  the  corner-stone  of  the  new  building,  at  half- 
past  four  o'clock  on  the  afternoon  of  Saturday,  June  17,  1893,  was 
most  impressive.  The  President  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Company,  laying  aside,  for  the  moment,  the  great  responsibilities 
which  rested  upon  his  shoulders,  with  the  unostentation  so  char- 
acteristic of  him,  reverently  and  earnestly  performing  the  functions 
of  a  mason,  while  fifteen  hundred  people  gathered  around  him,  their 
faces  depicting  eager  and  intense  interest,  was  a  majestic  figure, 
symbolizing  the  great  good  which  was  to  come  to  the  employes  and 

53 


the  road  upon  the  completion  of  the  building  which  was  to  rear  its 
head  above  the  stone  in  the  corner. 

Mr.  William  J.  Latta,  the  Chairman  of  the  Department,  was 
master  of  ceremonies  on  the  occasion.  When  he  arose  to  call  the 
assemblage  to  order,  the  anticipation  expressed  by  the  sea  of  up- 
turned faces  showed  the  hearty  interest  they  had  in  the  ceremony 
which  was  about  to  take  place. 

Rev.  P.  C.  Hutchinson  pronounced  the  invocation,  following 
which  Rev.  David  Gordon,  D.  D.,  read  the  Scripture  lesson:  "Be- 
hold, I  lay  in  Zion  a  corner-stone"  (1  Peter  ii.  6),  and  "For  other 
foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  that  is  laid;  which  is  Jesus  Christ" 
(1  Corinthians  iii.  11). 

The  Apollo  Male  Quartette  then  sang  "The  Lord  is  my  strength, " 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  McCaughey,  pastor  of  West  Hope  Church,  offered 
prayer. 

Addresses  were  then  made  by  J.  Q.  A.  Herring,  Superintendent 
of  Adams  Express  Company;  Richard  C.  Morse,  General  Secretary 
of  the  International  Committee;  C.  E.  Hurlburt,  State  Secretary 
for  Pennsylvania  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association;  Rev. 
Dr.  H.  C.  McCook,  Pastor  of  the  Tabernacle  Presbyterian  Church, 
West  Philadelphia,  and  William  N.  Multer,  General  Secretary  of 
the  Department. 

J.  B.  Stauffer,  Treasurer  of  the  Department,  then  read  the 
following  list  of  articles,  handing  them  to  Chairman  Latta,  who 
deposited  them  in  a  copper  box  as  they  were  named : 

Bible. 

Building  plans. 

Description  of  the  building. 

By-laws  of  the  Department. 

Constitution. 

History  of  the  Department. 

Printed  matter  and  documents. 

Resolution  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  dedi- 
cating lot. 

History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad. 

Copy  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  charter. 

Standard  locomotives,  Pennsylvania  Railroad. 

Time-tables. 

Pennsylvania  Railroad  map. 

Pennsylvania  officials. 

Adams  Express  Company  officials. 

54 


Adams  Express  Company's  history. 

Adams  Express  Company 's  map. 

State  Young  Men's  Christian  Association. 

Philadelphia  Young  Men's  Christian  Association. 

Stamps,  standard. 

Stamps,  Columbian. 

Daily  papers. 

Following  the  depositing  of  the  articles  the  box  was  sealed  by 
Mr.  Warden  Meade,  who  represented  James  Garrett,  contributor 
of  the  box. 

Mr.  J.  C.  Webb  had  presented  Chairman  Latta  with  a  silver 
trowel  and  George  J.  Vandergrift  a  silver  hammer,  made  under  their 
direction,  which  the  Chairman  placed  in  the  hands  of  President 
Roberts  as  they  came  from  the  platform  and  went  forward  to  where 
the  stone  that  was  to  become  the  corner-stone  had  been  placed. 
Mr.  Roberts  betrayed  no  lack  of  experience  in  the  use  of  the  trowel, 
as  he  spread  evenly  and  quickly  the  mortar  placed  by  the  masons 
for  his  use.  The  stone  was  then  put  in  place  by  his  direction,  and 
after  settling  it  well  down  with  the  hammer  President  Roberts  spoke 
as  follows : 

"  Fellow  Railroad  Employes  : — It  is  over  forty  years  since 
I  first  began  to  lay  corner-stones  for  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad, 
but  I  do  not  recall  in  any  instance  that  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of 
taking  part  in  any  that  promises  more  prosperity  to  the  Company 
and  its  employes  than  this,  the  corner-stone  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association." 

After  the  comer-stone  had  been  laid  the  audience,  led  by  the 
quartette,  sang  with  great  earnestness  the  hymn,  "How  firm  a 
foundation,  ye  saints  of  the  Lord,  is  laid  for  your  faith  in  His  ex- 
cellent Word." 

Rev.  Dr.  Walker  then  closed  the  ceremony  with  a  benediction. 

The  laying  of  the  corner-stone  was  a  sublime  sight,  and  all  who 
gazed  upon  it  esteemed  it  a  great  privilege  to  have  been  there;  none 
more  so  than  the  band  of  faithful  men  who  had  worked  hard  and 
in  the  face  of  many  discouragements  to  secure  a  proper  building 
wherein  the  cause  they  loved  could  be  advanced. 

While  the  work  of  building  was  going  on  the  activities  of  the 
Department  received  a  fresh  impulse,  and  the  General  Secretary 
was  able  at  the  close  of  the  year  to  sum  them  up  as  follows: 

"The  committee  work  of  the  Department  during  the  past  year 
has  interested  the  attention  of  over  400  individuals,  and  to  this 

55 


common  interest  and  efficient  leadership  we  owe  the  securing  of 
the  building. 

"The  Committee  of  Management  of  the  Department  was  reor- 
ganized and  increased  to  35  names  at  the  beginning  of  the  year,  add- 
ing a  number  of  prominent  railroad  men.  The  interest  the  individ- 
uals of  the  Board  have  shown  has  been  unparalleled.  Meetings  have 
been  frequently  held  at  which  there  has  not  been  an  absentee  re- 
ported, and  in  nearly  every  case  of  absence  important  railroad  duties 
have  detained  the  members.  The  careful  and  considerate  manage- 
ment has  done  a  great  part  in  the  completion  of  a  great  purpose. 

"The  Executive  Committee,  with  C.  G.  Cadwallader  as  the  chair- 
man, has  been  intrusted  with  carrying  into  effect  the  direction  of  the 
Committee  of  Management. 

"To  the  Building  Committee,  with  Joseph  T.  Richards  as  chair- 
man, has  been  given  the  responsibility  of  the  erection  of  the  build- 
ing.    Its  competency  is  proven  by  the  result. 

"The  Furnishing  Committee,  J.  O.  A.  Herring,  chairman,  has 
provided  the  furnishing  for  the  building 

"The  Finance  Committee,  R.  S.  Beatty  as  its  chairman,  has 
solicited  pledges  for  funds,  and  collected  over  $40,000  thus  far 
expended. 

"The  Membership  Committee,  with  G.  H.  Grone  as  chairman, 
has  increased  the  membership  of  the  Department  from  125  at  the 
beginning  of  1893  to  707  at  its  close. 

"The  Educational  Committee,  under  the  leadership  of  G.  H. 
Marcy,  provided  educational  classes,  of  which  there  were  20  sessions, 
with  an  average  attendance  of  22. 

"The  Library  Committee,  with  W.  H.  Barron  as  chairman,  has 
been  enlivened  by  the  addition  of  a  number  of  prominent  men. 
Already  over  300  volumes  have  been  added  to  the  library,  thus 
giving  the  members  the  privilege  of  over  1100  volumes.  By  prom- 
ises made  to  our  committee,  we  are  assured  of  soon  having  a  library 
or  over  4000  volumes  ready  for  our  readers. 

"The  Entertaimnent  Committee,  N.  C.  Davis,  chairman,  has 
arranged  for  a  course  of  nine  entertainments  of  national  reputation, 
and  as  many  more  of  local  talent. 

"The  Committee  on  Sick  Visitation,  chairman  D.  W.  Freas, 
reports  over  300  visits  made  to  the  sick  and  injured. 

"The  Religious  Work  Committee  report  54  Sabbath  meetings 
for  railroad  men  and  their  families,  with  an  average  attendance  of 
26,  and  cottage  meetings,  with  an  average  attendance  of  9." 

56 


1894. 

Dedication  of  the  Building. 

The  work  of  building  progressed  throughout  the  year  1893,  and 
the  edifice  was  ready  for  occupancy  on  the  opening  of  the  new  year. 

The  building  as  erected  was  the  result  of  the  combined  efforts 
of  nearly  7000  railroad  employes  and  friends,  with  the  co-operation 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  the  Adams  Express,  Union  News, 
Western  Union  Telegraph  Company  and  Union  Transfer,  and  was 
one  of  the  most  complete  and  thoroughly  equipped  railroad  associa- 
tion buildings  in  the  world.  It  contained  54  rooms  so  arranged 
that  the  social,  physical,  educational  and  rehgious  work  of  the  De- 
partment should  have  every  facility  for  the  furtherance  of  the 
objects  of  the  Association. 

The  dedication  took  place  on  Monday  evening,  January  23,  1894, 
and  the  services  in  connection  with  the  opening  continued  through- 
out the  week  which  followed.  No  enterprise  could  meet  with  a  more 
hearty  welcome  or  a  more  general  encouragement  than  that  which 
greeted  the  opening  of  the  building. 

Nothing  was  lacking  in  the  details  of  the  elaborate  programme. 
A  Reception  and  Programme  Committee,  consisting  of  150  members, 
railroad  men  of  all  ranks,  were  enlisted,  and  had  met  and  drilled 
for  the  work  before  them;  to  this  number  was  added,  as  there  was 
need  for  them,  a  number  that  was  considerably  over  700,  who  were 
on  duty  during  the  week.  The  red,  green  and  blue  badges  of  the 
members  were  to  be  seen  everywhere. 

Promptly  at  8  o'clock  the  Chairman,  William  J.  Latta;  Presi- 
dent of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  George  B.  Roberts;  N.  P.  Short- 
ridge,  Chairman  of  the  Advisory  Committee;  T.  De  Witt  Cuyler, 
Esq.,  President  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association;  J.  Q, 
A.  Herring,  Manager  Adams  Express  Co. ;  Bishop  Cyrus  W.  Foss, 
of  the  M.  E.  Church ;  Dr.  Henry  C.  McCook  and  Rev.  Chas.  Wood, 
with  a  few  invited  guests,  took  their  places  upon  the  platform. 

Chairman  Latta  called  the  audience  to  order,  and  announced 
the  hymn  "Coronation,"  at  which  the  audience  arose  and  joined 
in  singing. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  singing,  and  whilst  the  audience  re- 
mained standing.  Bishop  Cyrus  W.  Foss  made  the  dedicatory 
prayer.  The  Chairman  then  introduced  Joseph  T.  Richards,  En- 
gineer Maintenance  of  Way  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company 
and  Chairman  of  the  Department's  Building  Committee,  who  de- 

57 


scribed  the  construction  of  the  building  and  the  uses  to  which  it 
was  to  be  put  as  follows : 

"The  foundation  walls  are  of  stone  laid  in  cement.  The  walls 
above  ground  are  faced,  in  broken  range,  with  granite  from  near 
Port  Deposit,  Md. 

"The  roof  is  covered  with  dark  slate  from  the  Peach  Bottom 
quarries  of  Pennsylvania.  In  the  glass  we  can  boast  of  our  Ameri- 
can make  from  near  Pittsburgh. 

"The  basement,  containing  the  gymnasium,  44  feet  by  45  feet, 
with  running  track  and  gallery,  bowling-alley,  bicycle  stable,  plunge- 
pool  14  feet  by  20  feet,  athletic-room,  steam  and  shower  baths,  two 
toilet-rooms  containing  eight  wash-basins,  etc.,  room  for  lockers, 
closets  for  wardrobe,  restaurant,  kitchen,  barber-shop,  boiler-room 
for  warming  building  and  heating  water  for  baths,  etc.,  coal-bin, 
ashes-vault,  property-room,  and  dwelling  for  janitor. 

"The  first  floor  contains  a  reception  hall,  library,  reading-room, 
auditorium  56  feet  by  56  feet,  with  seating  capacity  of  460  persons 
on  the  first  floor  and  250  in  the  gallery — 710  persons  in  all — with  an 
independent  entrance  from  Westminster  Avenue;  and  have  for  the 
platform  two  dressing-rooms  with  toilet  conveniences;  secretary's 
office,  ladies'  parlor,  rooms  for  the  boys'  department,  ticket  office 
hat  and  cloak  checking-room,  toilet-room,  and  a  most  comfortable 
piazza  along  the  north  side  of  the  building  facing  the  railroad,  10 
and  20  feet  wide  by  117  feet  long. 

"On  the  second  floor  is  located  the  lecture-room,  22  feet  by 
39  feet,  with  platform  and  200  seats;  class-room,  ladies'  auxiliary, 
directors'  meeting-room,  kitchen  for  light  cooking. 

"The  third  floor  contains  four  class-rooms  and  two  dormitories; 
also  a  toilet-room  with  shower-bath,  wash-basin,  etc. 

"The  tower  has  an  observatory  room  provided  with  casement 
windows. 

"The  building  is  heated  by  low-pressure  steam,  having  radia- 
tors in  all  the  rooms.  Excellent  ventilation  is  provided  for  by  warm 
exhaust  flues. 

"Protection  against  conflagration  is  amply  provided  for  by 
fire-pipes  and  hose  on  each  floor. 

"Gas-pipes  and  electric-light  wires  are  run  so  that  either  or 
both  can  be  used.     The  electric  lighting  is  completed  for  the  present. 

"There  are  outside  and  separate  entrances  to  the  restaurant, 
barber-shop,  auditorium  platform,  and  dressing-rooms,  piazza, 
bicycle  stable  and  janitor's  rooms. 

58 


"In  the  class  rooms  instruction  will  be  given  in  bookkeeping, 
arithmetic,  mechanical  drawing,  penmanship,  stenography,  type- 
writing and  vocal  music. 

"In  the  junior  department  there  will  be  taught  military 
tactics,  etc. 

"In  the  auditorium  there  is  intended  to  be  an  entertainment 
about  once  a  week,  to  which  members  are  entitled. 

"The  lectures  will  be  on  the  science  of  railroading,  its  history, 
operation,  accounts,  chemistry,  and  on  many  other  interesting  sub- 
jects. 

"Suppose,  then,  in  short,  we  enumerate  25  of  the  items  which 
this  building  provides  for  its  members : 

1.  Educational  privileges. 

2.  Library. 

3.  Literary  society. 

4.  Lectures. 

5.  Mechanical  drawing. 

6.  Penmanship. 

7.  Reading-room. 

8.  Stenography. 

9.  Typewriting. 

10.  Arithmetic. 

11.  Bookkeeping. 

12.  Instrumental  music. 

13.  Vocal  music. 

14.  Lectures  and  concerts. 

15.  Prayer  meetings  and  Bible  class. 

16.  Gospel  meetings. 

17.  Young  men's  meetings. 

18.  Physical  culture. 

19.  Social  games  and  amusement  room. 

20.  Athletic  exercises. 

21.  Magazines  and  daily  papers. 

22.  Sleeping-rooms. 

23.  Restaurant. 

24.  Toilet  conveniences  and  barber-shop. 

25.  Mail  and  general  information,  and  a  homelike  place. " 

Mr.  Richards  then  handed  the  plans,  specifications  and  keys 
to  Mr.  Latta,  as  Chairman  of  the  Department.  The  Chairman, 
upon  receiving  the  keys,  said,  on  opening: 

59 


"Fellow-Members  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department — Fellow- 
Employes  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  and  its  Affiliated  Service: 

"Ladies  and  Gentlemen: — The  keys  of  this  beautiful  build- 
ing, complete  in  every  detail,  furnished  in  each  particular  room,  to 
what  extent  and  in  what  manner  many  of  you  have  already  seen, 
and  all  of  you  will  see  during  this  week  of  dedication  ceremonies, 
are  now  in  your  possession. 

"The  keys  of  the  building  of  an  organization  founded  upon  the 
principles  of  Christ's  teaching,  that  we  should  help  one  another,  are 
at  this  moment  the  tangible  symbol  of  the  completion  of  one  step 
or  stage  of  your  work. 

"The  opening  or  beginning  of  another  that  should,  and  it  is 
hoped  will,  be  that  of  many  long,  happy  years.  The  fold  is  thus 
opened.  The  flock  is  now  to  be  gathered  into  the  shelter.  You 
must  be  about  that  duty  for  which  this  preparation  was  organized. " 

He  then  proceeded  to  review  the  work  of  the  Department  from 
its  inception,  recounting  the  years,  the  sacrifices,  the  efforts  of  the 
men  who  had  undertaken  to  carry  it  on;  the  vicissitudes  encoun- 
tered and  the  resulting  success.  Following  the  review,  he  strongly 
pictured  the  work  to  be  done,  and  then,  turning  to  Mr.  T.  DeWitt 
Cuyler,  who  was  seated  on  the  platform,  said  in  conclusion: 

"To  you,  Mr.  Cuyler,  representing  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  of  Philadel- 
phia, of  which  this  is  a  department,  owing  no  allegiance  in  its  work 
elsewhere,  I  now  turn,  and  to  you  and  your  Association  we  tender, 
first,  our  continued  loving  and  obedient  allegiance;  second,  our 
grateful  obligations  for  your  munificent  help  financially,  and  your 
Christian  influence  in  our  behalf.  Part  owners  with  us  in  the  practi- 
cal work,  give  us  your  help  in  the  work  in  this  Association  in  future. 

"To  you  now,  as  our  guardian,  we  as  your  trusted  steward 
lay  before  you  these  keys  and  plans  as  an  evidence  of  the  manner 
in  which  we  have  taken  care  of  that  trust  in  the  cause  of  our  common 
Master. 

"  Will  you,  therefore,  in  your  capacity  as  Chairman  of  the  parent 
Association,  kindly  give  your  seal  of  approval  to  the  stewardship 
we  have  occupied,  in  the  gathering  of  funds  and  the  work  done, 
and  in  acquittal  thereof  entrust  the  officers  of  this  Department 
with  the  permanent  possession  of  these  tokens,  that  they  may  go 
on  with  this  cause,  out  into  the  great  highway  of  labor,  whereon  a 
great  multitude  pass  over  steel  and  stone  in  the  hazardous  pursuit 
of  their  daily  bread;   that  they  may  strive  to  bring  them  herein, 

60 


and,  once  in,  to  the  fuller  knowledge  of  the  evils  that  beset  en  route 
the  joys  that  exist  at  the  terminus  of  that  still  more  crowded  high- 
way of  life;  to  the  end  that  they  may  have  thrown  a.bout  them  some 
of  the  safeguards  of  Christian  influence,  and  thus  be  enabled  the 
better  to  withstand  the  wayside  evil,  and  to  have  a  better  concep- 
tion of  the  pleasure  at  the  journey's  end. " 

Mr.  Cuyler  received  the  keys  from  the  Chairman,  and  replied: 

Mr.  Chairman,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen: — The  handing  of 
these  keys,  sir,  to  me  as  President  of  the  Association,  is  a  most 
graceful  recognition  upon  the  part  of  your  committee  of  the  cordial 
relation  that  has  existed  between  the  parent  organization  and  your 
Department  from  the  inception  of  the  work.  It  has  been  admitted 
by  us  all  that  to  attain  the  best  results  concert  of  action  and  unity 
of  work  were  essential  in  the  objects  of  the  Association  throughout 
the  city.  It  is  not  so  very  long  ago,  some  time  after  I  became  a 
manager  of  the  Association,  that  but  one  branch  existed,  what  is 
now  known  as  the  Central  Branch,  at  Fifteenth  and  Chestnut  Streets. 
Today  there  is  as  before  but  one  organization,  but  twelve  flourishing 
branches  or  departments:  The  Northeast  Branch,  covering  the  Ken- 
sington District,  which,  in  February,  will  move  into  its  new  and 
commodious  building  well  adapted  to  its  work ;  the  Northwest  Branch, 
at  Broad  and  Montgomery  Avenue;  the  German  Branch,  at  Twelfth 
and  Girard  Avenue;  the  South  Branch,  at  Broad  and  Federal  Streets; 
the  Southeast  Branch,  or  Colored  Branch,  on  Pine  Street;  the  West 
Philadelphia  Branch,  at  Fortieth  and  Powelton  Avenue;  the  various 
departments  in  the  great  Universities  of  this  city;  and  your  own 
splendid  organization.  Of  these  branches,  the  Northeast,  North- 
west, South,  Central,  West  Philadelphia,  German  and  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad  own  their  own  buildings,  all  well  equipped  for  the 
work,  with  educational  classes,  library,  gymnasium,  and,  in  some 
instances,  swimming  pools.  I  have  given  this  brief  resume  of  the 
work  for  the  purpose  of  showing  that  this  organization  could  not 
have  grown  to  its  present  proportions  unless  it  had  proceeded  upon 
well-defined  lines.  It  seeks  to  help  a  young  man  in  an  honest  efifort 
to  lead  a  well-rounded  life.  It  in  nowise  treads  upon  the  ground 
occupied  by  the  Church.  It  strives  to  make  a  man  stronger  in 
mind,  body  and  soul,  believing  that  if  he  is  thus  developed  he  must 
be  a  religious  man,  and,  therefore,  a  supporter  of  the  Church.  The 
growing  importance  of  this  work  has  been  recognized  by  the  city, 
and  the  first  free  library  has  been  established  by  the  Mayor  and 

6i 


Councils  in  the  South  Branch,  to  be  followed  immediately  by  one 
in  the  Northeast  Branch,  and,  may  I  venture  the  hope,  soon  by  one 
in  this  Department. 

"As  I  have  said,  sir,  this  action  of  your  Department  in  present- 
ing me,  as  the  official  head  of  the  Association,  with  the  keys  of  this 
fine  building,  was  a  most  graceful  one.  But  we  do  not  desire  to 
retain  them.  We  know  full  well  your  loyalty,  but  the  work  is  yours, 
and  into  your  keeping  should  be  committed  the  custody  of  this 
building.  But,  in  handing  back  to  you  the  keys,  I  desire  to  express 
for  myself  and  the  Directors  of  the  General  Association  how  earnest 
and  deep  is  our  interest  in  your  work.  We  hope  that  the  generous 
confidence  of  the  honored  head  of  the  great  railroad,  who  is  always 
mindful  of  the  welfare  of  his  employes,  and  his  fellow-officers  and 
directors,  may  be  well  repaid,  and  that  in  the  future  as  the  years 
roll  on,  when  men  point  with  pride  to  the  wonderful  career  of  this 
great  corporation,  not  the  least  claim  for  this  applause  will  be  this 
building  and  Department,  recognized  as  a  part  of  its  system  and 
fostered  and  cared  for  by  those  who  may  be  then  charged  with  the 
operation  of  the  Company,  because  it  is  the  home  of  its  sturdy  and 
loyal  employes." 

Chairman  Latta  received  the  keys  from  Mr.  Cuyler,  saying: 
"In  behalf  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association  I  thank  you  for  the  confidence 
you  have  placed  in  us,  and  I  can  assure  you  that  our  loyalty  in  the 
use  of  the  building  which  these  keys  represent  shall  bring  honor  to 
the  work  we  represent. " 

Addresses  then  followed  by  B.  B.  Comegys,  Director  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company;  J.  O.  A.  Herring,  Superintendent 
Adams  Express  Company;  Rev,  Charles  Wood,  Rev.  Dr.  H.  C.  McCook, 
and  the  following  concluding  address  by  George  B.  Roberts,  Presi- 
dent of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company: 

"Mr.  Chairman  and  Fellow-Employes  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Company: 

"When  I  received  the  invitation  to  attend  the  dedication  of 
this  beautiful  building  I  exacted  from  your  Chairman  the  promise 
that  I  should  not  be  called  on  to  make  a  speech;  but  when  I  see  so 
many  here  who  are  my  co-laborers  in  our  great  corporation  I  cannot 
resist  saying  a  few  words, 

"It  seems  only  a  few  weeks  ago  that  we  met  to  lay  the  corner- 
stone of  this  building.     What  we  all  then  hoped  for  has  been  more 

63 


GEORGE  B.  ROBERTS, 
President  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  1880-1897. 


than  realized;  and  the  rest  is  in  your  hands.  You  can  make  what 
seems  good  to  you  of  the  opportunities  now  offered  to  you,  and  in 
utilizing  and  making  them  of  value  you  will  have,  I  can  assure 
you,  the  hearty  co-operation  of  the  officers  and  directors  of  the 
Company. 

"Whenever  men  are  needed  for  positions  of  responsibility,  the 
eyes  of  the  ofhcers  are  turned  toward  institutions  such  as  this,  and 
not  to  men  who  spend  their  evenings  in  saloons,  or  other  places 
that  unfit  them  for  their  work.  No  methods  for  the  moral  and  in- 
tellectual improvement  of  the  employes  of  the  Company  have  been 
more  productive  of  good  results  than  the  institutions  of  this  kind 
which  have  been  established  along  the  line  of  the  railroad.  The 
gentlemanly,  faithful,  efficient  service  of  the  employes  is  the  best 
evidence  of  this,  and  particularly  so  along  the  line  of  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad.  It  is  only  those  who  have  a  high  sense  of  moral 
responsibility  such  as  an  earnest  member  of  an  Association  as  this 
must  have  who  can  be  trusted  when  off  duty  as  well  as  when  on  duty. 

"On  behalf  of  the  shareholders  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad, 
I  desire  to  express  my  hearty  appreciation  of  the  work  that  has 
been  done,  and  to  assure  you  of  their  best  wishes  for  the  future.  The 
shareholders  heartily  recognize  that  to  the  fidelity  and  conscientious 
performance  of  duty  by  the  employes  is  largely  due  the  success  of 
their  road." 

At  the  conclusion  of  Mr.  Roberts'  address  the  audience  was 
dismissed  with  a  benediction.  Thus  was  completed  the  formal 
dedication  of  the  new  building,  towards  which  for  a  period  of  two 
years  280  committeemen  had  given  devoted  service. 

On  Tuesday  evening,  January  24,  the  new  building  was  thrown 
open  to  the  public.  The  railroad  men  and  their  friends  responded 
to  the  invitation  very  readily,  and  no  smaller  number  than  were  at  the 
opening  on  Monday  night  visited  the  rooms  on  Tuesday  afternoon  and 
evening.  Music  was  provided  by  the  orchestra  of  the  Department, 
and  their  selections  won  generous  applause  from  the  thousands 
who  listened.  It  seemed  that  every  inch  of  room  from  the  basement 
to  the  tower  was  filled;  everywhere  expressions  were  heard  of  the 
splendid  building  and  equipments  that  were  to  furnish  thousands 
of  railroad  men  with  their  amusements  and  instruction,  and  oppor- 
tunity for  physical  and  moral  development  as  well.  The  opening 
won  for  the  Department  thousands  of  warm  new  friends,  and  did 
much  to  deepen  the  regard  with  which  the  public  hold  the  railroad 
men.     Certainly  they  could  not  have  entered  a  household  in  which 

63 


a  more  whole-souled,  generous,  joyous  welcome  could  be  extended 
to  them  than  at  this — the  opening  of  the  "Railroad  Men's  Home." 
Faces  of  many  prominent  officers  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Company  were  seen  during  the  evening.  The  greetings  of  all  were 
most  cordial,  and  a  general  inspection  of  every  part  of  the  building 
was  made  with  general  satisfaction,  and  it  was  not  until  after  mid- 
night that  the  large  crowd  dispersed. 

On  Wednesday  evening,  January  25,  the  anniversary  of  the 
Department  was  held  in  the  auditorium,  which  was  filled  to  over- 
flowing. Third  Vice-Chairman  J.  Q.  A.  Herring  presided.  Mr. 
James  S.  Stackhouse  made  the  opening  prayer,  after  which  Mr. 
William  N.  Multer,  General  Secretary,  made  his  annual  report  for 
1893,  a  synopsis  of  which  appears  on  a  preceding  page.  At  the 
conclusion  of  the  reading  of  the  report  Mr.  William  B.  Wilson,  First 
Vice-Chairman,  spoke  as  follows: 

"The  subject  of  Association  work  among  railroad  men  is  so 
broad  that  justice  cannot  be  done  it  in  the  brief  time  allotted  to  it 
this  evening.     We  can,  however,  take  a  rapid  glance  at  its  outlines. 

"It  is  a  work  very  important  in  its  influences  and  far-reaching 
in  its  results,  and  in  outlining  it  the  employment  and  the  man  must 
be  considered. 

"Theology,  medicine,  law  and  science  have  heretofore  stood 
at  the  head  of  the  professions;  but  today  railroading  divides  the 
honors  with  them,  and  for  a  just  reason. 

"Railroading  is  the  great  practical  profession  of  the  day,  in 
the  closest  touch  with  all  the  activities  of  life.  It  enters  the  home, 
the  church,  the  hospital,  the  shop,  the  school-life.  It  is  the  great 
medium  in  the  agricultural,  mechanical,  mining,  commercial  and 
social  development  of  the  State,  and  no  follower  of  the  other  pro- 
fessions can  become  a  true  leader  who  neglects  to  study  its  ramifi- 
cations and  influences. 

"That  able  West  Philadelphia  divine,  Dr.  McCook,  recently 
from  this  platform  depicted  the  railroad  as  the  world's  greatest 
medium  for  evangelization,  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel,  for  the  plant- 
ing of  the  cross  and  for  the  establishment  of  missions.  He  likened 
the  locomotive's  long  columns  of  smoke  by  day,  and  the  fire-box's 
red  flashes  by  night,  to  the  cloud  and  the  pillar  that  preceded  God's 
chosen  ones  in  their  pilgrimage.  His  picture  is  not  an  overdrawn 
one,  and  the  fact  has  its  influence  on  the  character  of  the  railroad  man. 

"  For  a  period  of  forty  years,  in  fair  weather  and  foul,  in  peace 
and  war,  in  sunshine  and  storm,  in  joy  and  sorrow,  in  prosperity 

64 


and  adversity,  I  have  been  a  transportation  laborer  in  the  service 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  working  in  all  branches  of 
the  service,  and  by  the  side  of  the  most  humble  as  well  as  by  the 
side  of  the  most  exalted  employe,  and  out  of  the  opportunities  of 
my  association  have  come  the  knowledge  of  the  railroad  man's 
character. 

"As  it  is  his  duty  to  study  for  the  careful  handling,  the  comfort, 
the  safety  and  protection  of  millions  in  number  of  precious  lives, 
and  billions  in  value  of  property  annually,  so  he  studies  and  feels 
his  full  responsibilities  for  those  precious  lives  and  that  vast  wealth. 
He  knows  that  one  misstep  of  his,  one  thoughtless  act,  may  cause 
sorrow  at  many  a  hearthstone  or  great  loss  of  valuable  property. 
Out  of  this  study  and  out  of  this  knowledge  come  Christian  prac- 
tices. In  him  as  a  unit  there  is  an  ever-present  yearning  for  a  higher, 
purer,  better  life.  The  frailty  of  life's  tenure  is  kept  vividly  before 
him,  because  he,  more  than  anyone  else — the  soldier  in  action  alone 
excepted — is  daily  reminded  that  in  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death, 
and  therefore  you  find  him  kind  and  charitable,  with  an  unvarying 
willingness  to  share  the  burdens  of  others.  You  find  him  binding 
up  wounds,  feeding  the  hungry,  clothing  the  naked  and  resting  the 
weary.  When  you  view  the  railroad  man  in  this  light — and  he 
should  be  sought  for  there — you  will  readily  understand  and  appre- 
ciate that  association  work  with  him  is  not  initiatory,  but  is  on  a 
higher  and  an  advanced  plane.  What  he  mostly  needs  is  recognition, 
encouragement  and  opportunity.  There  is  no  stronger  evidence 
than  this  building  that  the  railroad  man  is  alive  to  the  living,  work- 
ing, practical  truths  of  Christianity  and  the  needs  of  moral  surround- 
ings for  himself  and  fellow-men.  Eighteen  months  ago  this  home 
seemed  impracticable,  yet  over  7000  railroad  and  transportation 
men  put  their  hands  in  their  pockets  and  drew  them  forthlwith  the 
means  that  made  its  erection  possible.  Mark  you,  not  the  Company, 
not  the  high  officials,  but  the  men,  because  Christ  the  man  .was  in 
their  hearts.  Nobly  did  the  high  officials  and  the  Company  come 
to  their  assistance;  but  the  fact  is  indisputable,  that  without  the 
inherent  Christianity  of  the  men  that  prompted  their  action,  the 
shrill  whistle  of  the  locomotive  would  still  be  sounding  over  the  bare 
ground  upon  which  this  building  has  raised  its  towering  head. 

"It  has  been  said  that  11,000  persons  are  eligible  to  member- 
ship in  this  Department,  3000  of  whom  are  Christians.  This  state- 
ment should  not  go  forth  without  explanation.  There  are  3000  of 
the  eligibles  who  are  church  attendants,  but  out  of  the  11,000  there 

65 


are  not  500  who  have  not  been  christened  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
Son  and  Holy  Ghost.  Those  thousands,  by  reason  of  that  conse- 
cration, are  Hving  more  or  less  the  manly  life  on  the  model  of  the 
Christ  Man.  It  were  better  for  them  to  associate  with  some  churchly 
organization,  and  by  the  fellowship  and  sympathy  to  be  found 
therein  reach  a  more  satisfying  condition  of  life  and  obtain  brighter 
hopes  in  the  beyond ;  but  so  long  as  they  do  not,  it  is  our  work  to 
seek  them,  to  meet  them,  to  bring  them  to  the  Association,  the 
threshold  of  the  Church,  and  there  surround  them  with  such  things 
that  make  life  worth  living,  from  which  must  emanate  the  cardinal 
principles  of  faith,  hope  and  charity,  and  by  which  life's  great 
lessons  are  learned ;  so  that  whilst  walking  in  the  valley  of  the  shadow 
of  death,  the  love  as  it  is  in  Christ  Jesus  may  illuminate  the  path 
and  produce  the  sweet  songs  of  angelic  choristers  to  soothe  the 
traveler  on  his  way. " 

Mr.  Horace  M.  Combes  spoke  of  the  work  carried  on  at  the 
Northwest  Branch,  Mr.  G.  W.  Mehaffey  of  that  at  the  West  Phila- 
delphia Branch,  Mr.  James  A.  Devhn  of  that  at  the  Central  Branch, 
and  Mr.  Clarence  S.  Mclntire  of  that  at  the  University  of  Pennsyl- 
vania. Following  these  representatives  of  the  Branch  Associations 
in  Philadelphia  Mr.  Walter  C.  Douglas,  General  Secretary  of  the 
parent  Association,  in  his  incomparable  manner  and  style  spoke 
of  the  work  at  large  and  of  the  vast  importance  of  the  fine  plant 
just  dedicated  to  the  work  in  Philadelphia.  The  exercises  were 
brought  to  a  close  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  J.  G.  Walker  saying: 

"I  take  great  pleasure,  as  pastor  of  a  neighboring  church,  in 
extending  you  my  heartiest  congratulations  and  good  wishes  con- 
cerning your  completion  of  another  year  of  service  for  the  Master, 
and  concerning  the  completion  also  of  the  beautiful  building  in 
which  you  are  now  holding  these  anniversary  exercises.  As  I  walked 
today  through  these  spacious  and  attractive  rooms  I  was  deeply  im- 
pressed with  the  appropriate  suggestiveness  of  the  picture  that  hangs 
to  the  right  of  the  main  doorway;  for  as  my  mind  took  in  the  ex- 
quisite details  of  the  artist's  work  I  realized  that  the  building  itself 
furnished  an  equally  exquisite  companion  picture.  While  the  skill- 
ful handiwork  of  the  artist  tells  us  something  about  '  breaking  home 
ties,'  the  consecrated  purpose  of  those  who  have  reared  this  noble 
structure  tells  us  something  also  about  'uniting  home  ties.'  We 
have  all  wandered  from  a  Father's  home,  and  our  sins  '  have  sepa- 
rated' between  us  and  the  Lord.  But  it  will  no  doubt  be  the  ulti- 
mate object  of  all  service  within  these  walls  to  reclaim  the  wanderer^ 

66 


REV.  CHARLES  R.  ERDMAN, 
Professor  in  Princeton  Theological  Seminary. 


to  retrieve  the  disastrous  consequences  of  transgression,  and  to 
secure  to  sinful  men  the  blessings  of  redeeming  grace.  May  God 
bless  you  in  all  your  undertakings,  and  bring  us  all  at  last  into  the 
blessed  reunions  and  fellowship  of  that  heavenly  home  out  of  which 
we  shall  go  no  more  forever.  " 

On  Thursday  night  of  the  26th,  the  "  Athletic  "  reception  was  held. 
Representatives  from  the  "Central,"  "South"  and  "Northeast" 
branch  gymnasiums  were  present  as  participants  in  the  exercises. 
Over  eleven  hundred  persons  were  gathered  to  witness  the  pro- 
gramme as  it  unfolded,  and  were  delighted  with  the  varied  perform- 
ances in  the  gymnasium.  At  the  same  time  a  reception  was  going 
on  on  the  first  floor  in  which  the  participants  equaled  in  number 
those  of  the  preceding  Tuesday  night.  Music  was  furnished  by  the 
Department's  Auxihary. 

The  evening  of  Friday,  the  27th,  the  "Juniors"  held  a  reception, 
at  which  the  place  was  again  crowded.  About  sixty  boys  (sons  of 
railroad  men)  v/ere  present,  who,  after  the  work  of  the  "Junior" 
Department  was  explained  to  them,  enrolled  themselves  as  members 
in  that  Department.  The  evening  closed  with  an  entertainment  by 
the  "New  York  Ideal  Concert  Company,"  which  was  the  first  to  be 
given  in  the  auditorium. 

Saturday,  the  28th,  was  devoted  to  the  District  Convention  of 
Young  Men's  Christian  Associations.  Five  hundred  persons  were 
in  attendance,  interesting  papers  were  read  and  remarks  made  by 
leading  Association  workers  in  the  vicinit)^  State  Secretary  Hurl- 
burt  spoke  of  the  Association  work  throughout  the  State,  and  com- 
plimented the  Department  upon  what  it  had  accomplished. 

Sunday,  the  29th,  a  service  was  held  in  the  auditorium,  at  which 
five  hundred  and  fifty  persons  were  present.  Messrs.  Douglas  and 
Hurlburt  both  spoke  to  the  assemblage  on  Christian  faith  and  duty. 

Thus  ended  the  week  of  dedicatory  exercises,  and  the  Depart- 
ment in  its  "Home"  started  on  its  mission  of  improving  the  lives 
of  the  employes  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company. 

An  event  occurred  during  the  week's  dedicatory  exercises  which 
has  had  a  powerful  and  continuing  influence  upon  the  life  of  the 
Department.  Mr.  Wistar  Morris,  a  director  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad,  a  member  of  the  Advisory  Board  of  the  Department,  and 
withal  a  member  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  was  interested  in  the 
Overbrook  Presbyterian  Church  enterprise,  of  which  the  Reverend 
Charles  R.  Erdman  was  pastor.  He  frequently  attended  the  services 
of  that  church  and  formed  a  warm  attachment  for  the  young  pastor, 

67 


and,  knowing  the  latter's  love  for  young  men,  when  the  railroad 
Christian  building  was  to  be  dedicated,  invited  him  to  be  present 
at  the  ceremonies.  In  consequence,  Mr.  Brdman  visited  the  build- 
ing and  became  a  deeply  interested  spectator.  No  one  who  saw  the 
mild,  unobtrusive  young  clergyman  on  that  occasion  would  have 
divined  the  important  part  he  was  to  take  in  the  spiritual  advance- 
ment of  railroad  men.  Subsequent  to  the  dedication  Mr.  Morris 
arranged  to  have  him  participate  in  the  Sunday  afternoon  meetings 
of  the  men.  His  addresses  on  those  occasions  in  which  he  partici- 
pated made  such  a  deep  impression  on  his  hearers  that  the  Committee 
on  Religious  Work  were  inspired  to  call  and  prevail  on  him  to  lead 
the  Sunday  afternoon  services  of  the  Department.  In  his  agreement 
to  do  so  he  made  but  one  stipulation,  and  that  was  his  work  was  to 
be  a  labor  of  love,  and  that  under  no  circumstances  or  in  any  guise 
was  he  to  receive  any  money  consideration  for  his  services.  From 
that  time  down  the  years,  until  this  year  1910,  with  a  promise  of  a 
long  continuance,  he  has  led  the  evangelistic  work  of  the  Depart- 
ment along  the  non-sectarian  happy  lines  of  Christ's  love  to  man, 
and  to  no  other  human  agency  can  be  attributed  the  wonderful  growth 
of  that  work.  His  unselfish  devotion  to  it  was  shown  when  the 
flattering  call  to  the  pastorship  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Germantown,  with  its  large  and  influential  congregation,  came  to 
him.  Before  he  accepted  the  call  he  had  the  understanding  that  his 
work  in  Germantown  should  not  interfere  with  his  Sunday  afternoon 
work  among  and  with  the  railroad  men  at  West  Philadelphia.  His 
desire  being  acceded  to,  he  went  to  Germantown,  and  during  the 
time  of  his  residence  there  with  undeviating  regularity  he  attended 
and  conducted  the  Sunday  railroad  services  in  the  Department's 
building.  Since  his  entrance  upon  a  professorship  in  the  Princeton 
Theological  Seminary,  while  not  being  able,  owing  to  the  great 
demand  upon  his  time,  to  pursue  the  work  with  the  same  regularity 
as  before,  he  has  been  able  to  be  present  at  the  services  two  Sunday 
afternoons  during  each  month  in  the  fall,  winter  and  spring.  He 
has  done  this  railroad  work  without  any  interference  with  the  obli- 
gations his  specific  duties  have  demanded  and  which  he  has  met 
with  great  faithfulness.  While  Mr.  Brdman  has  appeared  on  many 
occasions  and  taken  part  in  various  exercises  promoted  by  the  De- 
partment, he  has  specifically  devoted  the  Sunday  afternoons  from 
October  to  May  in  expounding  gospel  truths  to  the  members.  In 
all  these  years,  on  Sunday  after  Sunday,  the  auditorium,  with  a 
capacity  of  upwards  of  twelve  hundred,  has  been  filled  with  earnest, 

68 


anxious  hearers  from  railroad  life;  on  many  occasions  the  number 
of  people  desiring  admittance  exceeded  the  capacity  of  the  hall. 
Mr.  Erdman  has  never  spoken  to  an  audience  of  railroad  men  but 
that  the  atmosphere  he  created  seemed  charged  with  spirituality. 
Love  beams  from  his  eyes  and  flows  from  his  words  as  he  points  the 
way  to  life  and  immortality.  Imbued  with  Christian  moderation 
and  broad  toleration,  and  possessed  of  the  delicate  tact  of  Melanchthon 
and  the  spiritual  depth  of  Luther,  he  follows  in  the  path  of  that 
disciple  whom  Jesus  loved,  and  teaches  love,  devotion  and  moral 
strictness.  His  amiable  manners,  sweet  and  sympathetic  voice, 
his  gentle  words,  kind  heart  and  broad  charity  have  won  and  win 
the  hearts  of  all  those  who  have  heard  or  who  hear  him.  The  ear- 
nest, practical  way  in  which  he  presents  the  plain  gospel  truths  has 
so  attracted  the  members  and  their  families  that  in  the  fifteen  years 
he  has  been  carrying  on  the  work  many  thousands  of  people  have 
been  reached  and  morally  and  spiritually  elevated.  Several  years 
ago  there  was  published  a  little  book  under  the  caption  of  "Sunday 
Afternoons  with  Railroad  Men, "  which  contained  addresses  delivered 
by  Mr.  Erdman  at  the  Sunday  meetings  of  the  Department.  That 
book  is  a  precious  souvenir  to  be  found  in  most  of  the  homes  of  the 
employes  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  in  West  Philadelphia,  so 
blessed  has  been  his  work.  His  attendance  and  work  at  the  Sunday 
afternoon  services  and  at  numerous  other  religious  and  social  events 
in  the  building  do  not  cover  the  entire  field  of  the  service  rendered 
by  him  to  the  Department,  as  during  his  residence  at  Overbrook 
and  at  Germantown  he  was  frequently  called  upon  to  visit  the  sick 
and  dying  railroad  men  at  their  homes  and  in  the  hospitals,  carry- 
ing comfort,  consolation  and  cheer  to  many  a  pain-racked  body  and 
disturbed  mind. 


69 


The  committees  for  the  year  were  recast  with  a  view  of  utiliz- 
ing to  their  full  extent  the  enlarged  facilities  for  the  work  in  hand, 
and  in  their  personnel  were  as  follows: 


Executive  Committee. 


William  J.  Latta, 

Chairman. 
W.  B.  Wilson, 
C.  G.  Cadwallader, 
J.  Q.  A.  Herring, 


Geo.  H,  Grone, 
J.  B.  Stauffer, 
N.  C.  Davis, 
J.  S.  Stackhouse, 
C.  C.  Kinney. 


Finance  Committee. 


C.  G.  Cadwallader, 

Chairman. 
Jos.  T.  Richards, 
A.  Feldpauche, 
John  Downs, 
S.  P.  Hutchinson, 
S.  G.  Grone, 
S.  H.  Wallace, 
W.  A.  Patton, 
E.  A.  Stockton, 


Frank  H.  Meyers, 
R.  S.  Beatty, 
Wm.  B.  Wilson, 
J.  Q.  A.  Herring, 
Samuel  Knowles, 
J.  S.  Stackhouse, 
Wm.  Hammersley, 
Hamilton  Markley, 
J.  B,  Stauffer, 
Geo.  R.  Howell, 


L.  N.  Walton. 


Membership  Committee. 


R.  S.  Beatty, 

Chairman. 
Chas.  W.  Valentine, 
J.  M.  Thompson, 
G.  W.  Robinson, 
R.  I.  Heim, 
W.  J.  Maxwell, 
Samuel  Dunlap, 
Clinton  Black, 
John  Reppard, 
Elmer  Miller, 
Geo.  Heugst, 


Wm.  Edney, 
F.  J.  Foulon, 
Geo.  Strouse, 
W.  T.  Roberts, 
Anthony  Hughes, 
R.  N.  Durborow, 
Daniel  Corson, 
John  Ferguson, 
Chas.  Leutheust, 
Isaac  Stitelee, 
Harry  Shafifer, 
Robt.  E.  Gibbett, 
John  R.  Wilkinson. 


70 


House  and  Reception  Committee. 

S.  C.  Pearson  B.  B.  Thompson, 

Chairman.  James  McConkey, 

C.  C.  Kinney,  George  W.  Robinson, 

Wm.  Weest,  E.  A.  Stockton, 

Chas.  Marquart. 


Jos.  T.  Richards, 

Chairman. 
Roger  Hendley, 
A.  Feldspauche, 


Building  Comm.ittee. 

J.  C.  Webb, 
S.  P.  Hutchinson, 
J.  Q.  A.  Herring, 
Geo.  C.  Vandegrift. 


Entertainm,ent  Committee. 


C.  C.  Kinney, 

Chairman. 
N.  C.  Davis, 
W.  L.  Megary, 
F.  D.  Kinney, 


Geo.  W.  Douglass,' 
B.  G.  Booser, 
R.  S.  Hammersley, 
P.  W.  Cobb, 
Warner  R.  Thomas, 


Benjamin  H.  Street. 


Library  Committee. 


Wm.  Hammersley, 

Chairman. 
Chas.  Hitch, 
Geo.  W.  Johnson, 
A.  H.  McCaulley, 
W.  H.  Zehender, 
John  Husted, 
Jos.  T.  Richards, 
S.  P.  Hutchinson, 
W.  L.  Nassau, 
H.  M.  Forbes, 
W.  A.  Patton, 
M.  K.  Reeves, 
Wm.  B.  Wilson, 
A.  Feldpauche, 


John  S.  Latta, 
J.  E.  Barr, 
W.  H.  Keeler,  Jr., 
W.  H.  Barnes, 

E.  A.  Weaver, 
John  Downs, 

F.  E.  A.  Robinson, 
John  I.  Brady, 
Thos.  L.  Latta, 
Chas.  A.  Spiegler, 
Wm.  G.  Bartlett, 
Wm.  Edney, 

M.  L.  Killehan, 
Oliver  Ludwig, 
E.  D.  Gordon, 
Dr.  S.  W.  Latta. 


71 


Literary  Committee . 

W.  H.  Simras,  Roger  S.  Harkinson, 

Chairman.  F.  D.  Kinney, 

C.  C.  Brown,  P.  W.  Cobb, 

W.  L.  Megary,  Geo.  W.  Douglass, 

N.  C.  Davis,  A.  A.  Brown, 

F.  E.  Atkins. 

Athletic  Committee. 


B.  A.  Stockton, 

Chairman. 
W.  H.  Simms, 
J.  A.  Newbern, 
A.  A.  Brown, 
Geo.  H.  Grone, 
Montgomery  Smith, 
Charles  A.  Mann, 
A.  H.  Mindle, 
Alexander  Gray, 
William  Hammersley, 
J.  W.  Crouse, 

George  M. 


W.  J.  Crout, 
C.  E.  Lacy, 
M.  Riebenack,  Jr., 
S.  P.  Bowers, 
W.  B.  Kraft, 
J.  B.  Mann, 
C.  C.  Kinney, 
H.  J.  Kromer, 
J.  M,  Thompson, 
W.  J.  Fairies, 
R.  B.  Berry, 
F.  D.  Kinney, 
Stewart. 


Sick  Visitation  Comm,ittee 

D.  W.  Freas, 

Chairman. 
Wm.  Jackson, 
Alfred  NcMinn, 
Frank  Farrell, 


Wm.  H.  George, 
Harry  J.  Flood, 
Friend  Swift, 
I.  S.  Cadwallader, 
Samuel  Knowles, 


Carver  McMinn. 


Publication  Committee. 


Wm.  B.  Wilson, 

Chairman. 


C.  C.  Kinney, 
Walter  H.  Barry. 


G.  H.  Marcy, 

Chairman. 
W.  J.  Lawson, 
W.  H.  Kilgore, 


Educational  Committee. 

Roger  Harkinson, 
H,  J.  Kromer, 
Saml.  W.  Dunlap, 
B.  F.  Miller, 
Wm.  B.  Wilson. 


72 


Religious  Work  Committee. 

W.  H.  George,  Charles  Knapp, 

Chairman.  B.  B.  Thompson, 

WilHam  Jackson,  S.  D.  Mansfield, 

D.  W.  Freas,  John  Downs, 
J.  A.  Keesberry,  J.  C.  Agnew, 

G.  H.  Grone,  I.  S.  Cadwallader, 

E.  H.  Kilgore,  Roger  Hendley. 

Junior  Committee. 

Geo.  M.  Stewart,  Isaac  Hill, 

Chairman.  John  Doran, 

Carver  McMinn,  J.  C.  Agnew, 

D.  W.  Freas. 

Every  branch  of  the  Department's  work  took  on  an  aggressive 
attitude  which  showed  in  the  final  results  for  the  year.  On  the 
29th  of  January  Professor  MacVeagh  entered  upon  his  duties  as 
physical  director,  and  started  a  school  for  intelligent  and  systematic 
advancement  of  the  physical  development  of  the  members.  On 
the  1st  of  April  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Athletic  Society  merged 
with  the  Department,  and  gave  to  it  an  impetus  that  soon  put 
its  athletic  division  of  the  work  on  a  high  and  progressive  plane. 
The  history  of  the  society,  briefly  told,  is  that  during  the  winter 
of  1883-84,  a  number  of  the  clerks  employed  by  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  Company,  by  an  interchange  of  opinions,  arrived  at  the 
conclusion  that,  as  they  were  so  closely  confined  every  day  and 
their  work  being  of  necessity  sedentary,  if  they  could  have  the  ad- 
vantages offered  by  outdoor  exercises  during  the  summer  months, 
it  would  be  of  great  benefit  to  them  physically,  as  well  as  indirectly 
benefiting  the  Company  by  the  resultant  reduction  of  the  average 
time  lost  on  account  of  sickness. 

In  order  to  fully  and  practically  test  the  correctness  or  fallacy 
of  their  theory,  a  statement  of  their  desires  was  presented  to  an 
officer  of  the  Company,  by  whom  their  plans  were  approved;  as  a 
consequence  of  which  a  meeting  of  clerks  was  held  on  March  11,  1884, 
when  an  organization  was  formed,  taking  for  its  title  the  "Penn- 
sylvania Railroad  Athletic  Association."  The  following  officers 
were  elected  for  the  year:  President,  John  C.  Sims,  Jr.;  Vice-Presi- 
dent, William  J.  Latta;  Secretary,  K.  Ash  ton;  Treasurer,  G.  H. 
Ross;   Directors,  J.  A.  Newbern,  G.  Welsh,  Jr.,  and  A.  Robson. 

73 


The  object  of  the  Association,  as  set  forth  in  the  constitution, 
was  to  promote  the  health  and  physical  welfare  of  its  members 
by  regular  active  outdoor  exercise. 

The  Company's  officials,  fully  recognizing  the  great  advantages 
to  the  clerical  force  to  be  derived  from  the  Association,  placed  at 
their  disposal  a  plot  of  ground  500  feet  square,  near  Fifty-second 
Street  Station,  on  the  Philadelphia  Division  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad.  This  ground  now  became  the  Department's  field  and  was 
soon  utilized  under  Professor  MacVeagh's  supervision  to  its  utmost 
capacity.  Field  athletics  prior  to  this  had  been  conducted  to  a 
limited  extent  on  the  grounds  of  the  parent  Association  at  Forty- 
fourth  Street  and  Elm  Avenue. 

Strong  sub-committees  were  formed  to  direct  the  athletic 
activities  by  the  following  assignments: 

Sub-Committees. 

Gymnasium  (five  m,embers). 

W.  H.  Simms,  A.  A.  Brown, 

Chairman.  G.  H.  Grone, 

J.  A.  Newbern,  M.  Smith. 

Bowling  Alley  {three  members.) 

Wm.  Hammersley,  J.  W.  Crouse, 

Chairman.  W.  J.  Crout. 

Games  (five  members). 

C.  C.  Kinney,  G.  H.  Grone, 

Chairman.  J.  M.  Thompson, 

H.  J.  Kromer,  W.  J.  Fairies. 

House  and  Grounds  {two  members). 

J.  A.  Newbern,  C.  A.  Mann. 

Chairman. 

Base-Ball  {three  members). 

C.  E.  Lacy,  M.  Riebenack,  Jr., 

Chairman.  C.  A.  Mann. 

Cricket  {four  members). 

M.  Smith,  S.  P.  Bowers, 

Chairman.  A.  M.  Hindle. 

Alex.  Gray, 

74 


Tennis  and  Lacrosse  (three  members). 

S.  p.  Bowers,  W.  J.  Crout, 

Chairman.  W.  B.  Kraft. 

Sports  {five  members). 

M.  Riebenack,  Jr.,  J.  B.  Mann, 

Chairman.  F.  D.  Kinney, 

A.  A.  Brown,  R.  B.  Berry, 

Foot-Ball  (three  members). 
Unassigned. 

The  May  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Management  was  a  full  and 
deeply  interesting  one.  Chairman  William  J.  Latta  took  occasion 
to  make  mention  of  his  plans  and  projects  for  advancing  the  ob- 
jects for  which  the  Department  was  instituted.     He  said: 

"Your  Chairman  has  been  trying  to  arrange  for  sometime  a 
fitting  occasion,  and  it  has  seemed  as  if  so  much  and  so  many  inter- 
ferences have  been  encountered  that  he  has  counted  very  long  the 
time  until  this  evening,  when  a  much-desired  moment  appears  to 
have  come  to  enable  him  to  make  an  exposition  of  certain  plans 
and  projects  forming  in  his  mind  for  this  Association.  lyCt  him  say 
that  his  coming  into  your  circle  was  an  incident  accidental  to  him, 
perhaps,  and  accompanied  by  a  promise,  when  he  gave  his  accep- 
tance to  try  to  fill  this  important  place,  that  it  was  only  a  figurehead 
chairman  that  was  wanted;  and  it  is  mainly  he  has  felt  that  that 
attribute  was  settling  too  truthfully  upon  his  shoulders  that  he  at 
this  time  makes  an  effort  to  do  something  more  for  you  than  pure 
ornamental  representation.  In  fact,  the  responsibility  has  so  forced 
itself  upon  his  mind  and  heart  that  he  is  impelled  by  some  force 
irresistible  to  come  out  and  commune  with  you  for  the  good  of  this 
Department. 

"Among  the  many  busy  hours  of  a  very  busy  life  he  finds  odd 
moments  while  passing  to  and  from  home  in  the  train,  or  in  the  quiet, 
sleepless  nights  that  often  come  to  busy  brains,  to  think  out  some 
plans  or  projects  for  you  to  take  up  and  work  out  to  practical  con- 
clusions. Therefore  I  will  begin  by  saying  that  the  balance  of  our 
building  debts  has  been  temporarily  provided  for  in  a  mortgage  with 
the  Western  Savings  Fund  Society  at  5  per  cent.,  upon  which  we 
have  permission  to  pay  installments  as  we  gather  the  money  to- 
gether.    Here,  then,  is  project  number  one — $13,000  to  be  raised 

75 


to  give  us  a  free  title.  Public  debts  may  be  a  blessing,  because  the 
interest  thereon  comes  back  to  the  people ;  but  in  our  case  the  people 
we  desire  to  reach  and  benefit  do  not  get  the  direct  use  of  the  $650 
yearly  interest  we  pay  to  the  Savings  Society.  We  need  this  money 
in  many  channels,  and  the  sooner  we  get  it  into  those  channels  the 
better.  How  will  you  go  about  this  work?  Get  your  heads  together 
on  that  problem. 

"Next,  in  the  few  words  your  Chairman  spoke  to  you  on  the 
dedication  night  (that  red-letter  night  of  your  existence)  you  will 
recall  the  project  of  an  endowment  fund.  That  may  seem  a  pre- 
mature project  in  the  face  of  a  debt,  but  there  is  no  reason  why  prep- 
arations cannot  be  put  in  shape  and  the  accumulation  of  such  a 
fund  commenced.  Who  among  you  will  think  out  some  plan  or  plans 
for  the  furtherance  of  that?  Think  of  the  future  and  the  great  good 
you  can  aid  in  accomplishing  when  the  interest  on  such  a  fund 
will  meet  your  running  expenses  and  leave  all  your  receipts  from 
members'  dues  to  be  applied  to  amusements,  lectures,  library,  and, 
above  all,  your  charitable  work.  Get  your  minds  into  training  for 
this  laudable  object.     This  is  number  two. 

"Again,  we  want  good  outdoor  music  for  the  women  and  babies 
once  or  twice  a  week,  on  your  north  porch,  during  the  hot  months 
of  summer ;  music,  say,  from  5  to  7  or  from  3  to  6 — something  of  that 
sort.  We  want  a  searchlight  on  top  of  the  house,  something  that 
will  reach  up  to  Ridge  Avenue,  Fifty-ninth  Street  and  Spring  Garden 
with  its  beaming  belt  of  brightness.  We  want  5000  members  this 
year,  something  that  will  make  us  swell  with  pride  and  cast  a  broad 
belt  of  light  straight  upwards. 

"We  want  enough  books  to  make  a  good  circulating  library, 
something  that  will  reach  with  a  belt  of  light  into  every  member's 
household.  We  want  to  keep  this  building  open  for  twenty-four 
hours  daily.  That  costs  money.  Our  want  column  is  full ;  who  will 
help  in  getting  the  answers? 

"As  I  stated  before,  I  have  felt  a  sort  of  irresistible  force  fetch- 
ing me  here  to  try  and  tell  you  some  things  of  good  for  this  institu- 
tion. In  addition,  let  me  ask  you.  Chairmen  and  Committeemen 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department,  what  good  are  you  going 
to  do?  Or  to  be  plainer,  what,  if  anything,  are  you  going  to  do  with 
this  Department?  Not  what  good  is  it  going  to  do  for  you;  that  is 
easily  answered.  In  fact,  the  answer  to  that  is  written  all  over  this 
edifice,  or  on  the  hearts  of  many  young  and  old  who  have  been  here 
and  felt  the  good  it  can  do. 

76 


"What,  then,  are  you  going  to  do  with  it?  And  when  I  ask 
that  question  I  want  it  understood  that  the  inquiry  is  in  its  broadest 
sense ;  that  it  is  not  addressed  to  any  class  of  men,  or  any  sect,  creed 
or  profession.  Neither  is  it  addressed  to  members  alone,  but  as  well 
to  those  who,  under  the  charter  and  by-laws  of  this  Association,  are 
eligible  to  membership.  Truly,  the  measure  of  responsibility  that 
belongs  to  the  long  roll  of  non-members  is  one  that  should  sink  deep 
into  the  heart  of  every  railroad  man.  The  conception  of  this  De- 
partment was  not  a  selfish  one,  nor  a  narrow  one.  It  never  in- 
tended to  permit  a  man  eligible  to  feel  that  he  was  neglected  or 
slighted,  or  that  he  would  be  allowed  for  a  moment  to  feel  that  he 
had  been  left  out  of  the  calculation  that  built  up  this  institution. 
Therefore,  the  duty  of  each  man  is  as  present  today  as  it  was 
when  the  first  meeting  was  held.  What  have  they  done  with  it? 
It  grieves  me  to  answer  this  much,  and  to  the  extent  that  a  few  have 
tried  to  do  this.  By  'this'  I  mean  the  building,  which  seems  to  be 
the  result  of  the  labor  of  a  very  few,  when  considered  in  comparison 
with  the  eligible  many  who  are  yet  off  the  rolls  of  membership.  Let 
me  illustrate.  The  Chairman  of  your  Membership  Committee,  at  the 
meeting  of  the  Executive  Committee  on  Thursday  evening,  April 
12,  presented  detailed  report  of  the  membership,  the  total  of  which 
was  a  little  short  of  1100  men  and  youths.  The  classification  of 
members  as  then  presented  to  your  management  showed  a  startling 
result.  First,  that  the  whole  number  of  members  was  less  than  10 
per  cent,  of  the  men  entitled  to  belong.  Totally  unlike  the  ninety 
and  nine — aye,  much  unlike.  Where,  then,  are  the  90  per  cent.? 
You  can  answer  that  without  paper  and  pencil.  The  very  men 
whose  occupation  with  its  daily  hazard  mainl}^  induced  your  present 
Advisory  Committee  to  think  out  and  plan  to  completion  something 
for  their  comfort  and  good,  are  represented  in  every  instance  by  a 
paltry  fraction  of  1  per  cent,  of  their  several  totals.  Think  of  it! 
One-tenth  of  1  per  cent,  of  freight-trainmen — conductors,  brakemen, 
switchmen,  enginemen.  And  this  leads  up  to  a  further  question 
along  the  same  line:  When  you  are  doing  for  this  Department, 
are  you  reaching  out  for  the  men  whose  numbers  are  so  poorly  rep- 
resented here?  Have  you  invited  them  here?  Do  they  know  they  are 
welcome  to  come  and  see  for  themselves,  whether  members  or  not? 
Have  they  been  frightened  by  a  fancied  exclusiveness,  perhaps  by 
the  thought  that  the  building  is  too  beautiful  or  fine  looking?  Do 
they  know  that  all  good  things  are  beautiful?  When  you  look  on 
Nature's  embellishments  do  you  see  anything  but  beauty?     Is  the 

77 


sun,  the  moon,  the  starry  heavens  anything  but  significantly  beauti- 
ful? Are  the  green  fields  and  the  flowers  of  a  homely  character? 
Does  not  God  make  all  His  gifts  beautiful,  and  does  not  man  in  his 
attempt  to  glorify  God  make  his  offerings  on  the  line  of  attractive 
beauty?  Did  Solomon  in  his  inspiration  construct  a  temple  without 
that  attribute,  beauty;  and  was  that  temple  shunned  by  those  for 
whose  use  it  was  intended?  Did  they  look  upon  it  as  an  exclusive 
structure  because  it  was  beautiful?  Do  the  builders  of  modern 
churches  today  intend  that  the  appearance  of  the  building  should 
repel  instead  of  attract?  If  you  shun  a  work  of  beauty  because  it  is 
beautiful,  don't  you  put  out  of  your  daily  life  the  pleasure  and  enjoy- 
ment that  is  put  here  for  your  use? 

"Are  you  afraid  to  approach  this  building  because  it  is  not  a  plain 
and  barren-looking  affair?  Would  you  come  here  if  it  was?  Here 
is  a  volume  of  questions  almost,  and  I  ask  them  because  it  has  been 
said  that  men  have  been  heard  to  say,  'It  is  too  fine;  we  are  afraid 
of  it.  It  might  be  soiled  if  we  went  in  there.'  Would  it  soil  them 
if  they  came  in  here?  If  so,  let  it  be  shut  up.  If  it  will  but  teach 
the  necessity  for  clean  bodies  and  cleaner  lives  it  will  have  served 
the  purpose.  Here  is  one  thing  you  must  do  with  it;  show  it  as  it 
is — a  thing  of  beauty;  iust  what  we  set  out  to  make  it.  Instill 
through  its  example  beautiful  thoughts  into  the  minds  and  souls  of 
those  whom  we  want  in  here.  Gather  them  into  its  bosom;  give 
out  its  blessed  influence  to  the  men  of  labor  and  toil.  Fetch  it  to 
them  as  theirs.  Theirs  in  trust,  out  of  which  they  can  reach  a  harvst 
of  moral,  physical  interest,  better  paying  because  more  permanent 
in  good  than  the  interest  accruing  on  accumulated  savings.  This  is 
what  you  should  do  with  it.  If  you  do  not,  you  might  as  well  paint 
upon  the  outer  doorway,  'Built  for  ornament  only,'  close  the  door, 
fence  it  about,  and  go  away  to  see  if  you  can  find  any  personal  pride 
in  the  mission  you  have  chosen  to  guard  and  encourage,  'Closed  to 
the  world  as  a  failure.' 

'  'Walls  cannot  talk  without  hands  and  hearts.  Prayers  are  not 
uttered  without  minds  and  tongues.  vSouls  are  not  saved  without 
faith  and  work.  Heaven  does  not  only  exist  for  mere  outward  show. 
Stars  do  not  blink  out  of  the  heavens  above  for  their  own  gratification. 
The  sun  does  not  only  shine  because  it  is  a  ball  of  fire.  Flowers  do 
not  only  grow  because  the  sun  warms  and  the  rain  waters.  Rain 
does  not  only  fall  because  of  the  force  of  gravity.  Man  does  not  only 
die  because  the  heart  stops  beating.  But  there  is  an  underlying 
purpose  and  lasting  good  in  all  these  things.     This  Department  was 

78 


not  organized  because  a  beautiful  building  could  be  built.  What, 
then,  is  the  underlying  purpose  here?  The  good  out  of  here?  The 
use  of  the  facilities  and  tools  you  have  fitted  in  here?  And  are  you 
doing  anything  to  hold  up  that  purpose,  to  magnify  that  good  ?  Into 
your  hearts  has  this  thought  sunk  deep  down,  that  you  are  responsible 
not  only  for  the  shrinkage  of  good  that  may  prevail  because  no  effort 
has  been  made,  but  that  you  may  be,  on  the  other  hand,  a  copartner 
in  the  great  good  that  will  obtain  by  effort.  May  I  ask  again,  What 
are  you  going  to  do  with  this  house?  Shut  it  up  and  paint  on  it, 
'This  is  our  handiwork  for  ornament,'  or  throw  it  open,  fetching  in 
the  railroad  men.     Are  you? 

"Answer  now!  and  make  that  answer  heard  from  Greenwich 
to  Fifty-ninth  Street,  and  from  Gray's  Ferry  to  Torresdale :  'Come 
here,  all  you  tired  and  weary  souls  and  bodies,  and  we  will  help  you 
find  that  rest  and  recreation  you  need.'  Let  this  be  your  motto. 
Let  me  give  you  a  little  plan:  seek  out  your  friend  and  fellow-crafts- 
man ;  ascertain  his  fad.  With  some  it  is  books,  others  checkers,  some 
chess;  some  delight  in  social  conversation  over  a  cigar  or  pipe;  others 
like  to  hear  good,  square-toed  talks  from  the  platform;  others  want 
to  learn  something  in  the  class-room.  Some  enjoy  music;  others 
have  no  place  to  spend  their  spare  evenings  save  in  the  cigar  store, 
maybe  saloon.  They  live,  perhaps,  in  boarding-houses  where  they 
have  no  place  to  sit,  and  in  winter  no  fires  in  their  rooms.  Hence 
the  warm,  well-lighted,  crowded  saloon  presents  attractions.  Others 
like  simple  stage  amusements,  gymnastics,  bowling,  bathing,  a  good 
clean  bed  to  sleep  in,  a  good  meal  and  a  good  shave.  These  are  all 
here  but  the  cigar  store  and  saloon,  which  must  be  excluded;  in  fact, 
it  is  our  aim  to  furnish  a  salve  for  that  fad.  Learn  from  your  friend 
just  what  the  bent  of  his  fad  is,  and  then  see  if  he  can  have  it  interest- 
ed here.  Appoint  an  evening  and  come  here  with  him.  You  need 
not  go  at  it  as  if  you  were  a  special  missionary.  That  may  frighten 
him.  We  want  him  here  whether  he  is  a  Christian  or  not,  so  he  is 
a  railroad  man.  Whether  he  intends  to  be  a  Christian  or  not,  we 
want  him  right  here,  so  he  is  a  railroad  man.  Whether  he  is  young 
or  old,  halt  or  blind,  clean  or  dirty,  dress  suit  or  blue  blouse. 
We  want  him  if  he  is  on  the  pay-rolls.  Poor  or  rich,  bring  him  in. 
He  will  find  a  place,  and  when  in  let  the  leaven  work  itself.  Don't 
try  to  get  into  his  inner  life,  to  convert  him  the  first  night.  Let  him 
alone  to  enjoy  his  freedom  of  act  and  thought.  This  must  not  go 
out  to  the  world  as  a  church.  It  has  been  called  a  vestibule  of  the 
church.     It  may  only  be  the  front  steps,  perhaps  the  curbstone  of 

79 


the  front  pavement,  or  even  the  building  across  the  highway  from 
the  church.  Anyhow,  if  the  church  is  to  gain  any  membership  out 
of  its  workings,  that  will  come  without  preaching  into  the  candidates' 
ears  nothing  but  religion.  It  is  the  example  that  tells  the  tale  here 
as  it  does  everywhere.  The  conduct  of  the  institution  and  its  facil- 
ities to  reach  the  moral  side  of  mankind  is  its  religion,  and  that  conduct, 
properly  directed,  will  preach  deeper  sermons  of  more  worth  in  one 
day  than  all  the  lip-service  you  can  preach  in  months  upon  an  un- 
willing, unreceptive  heart.  Bear  in  mind,  however,  that  no  effort 
is  to  be  spared  to  aid  an  inquiring  mind  when  it  is  voluntarily  opened 
up  to  you.  Bear  in  mind  that  the  time  is  always  given  a  well-directed, 
devoted  Christian  heart  to  throw  out  its  net  to  help  the  struggling 
soul  when  hands  are  thrown  up  for  help.  Don't  you  know  that  when 
a  man  comes  in  here  and  is  lead  to  that  period  of  anxiety  for  his  future 
by  the  numbers  of  devoted  Christian  men  who  daily  visit  this  house 
because  of  the  sweet  contentment  that  shines  out  of  their  eyes,  be- 
cause of  the  patient  forbearance  they  see  preached  by  these  same 
Christian  men,  because  of  the  quiet,  manly  deportment,  because  of 
the  confidence  they  see  others  place  in  them,  will  this  anxious  soul, 
without  much  hesitancy,  seek  out  one  of  these  good  men  and  ask  him 
that  burning  question,  'What  shall  I  do  to  be  saved'?  Or  will  he  go 
to  some  fellow-sufferer  whom  he  knows  possesses  not  that  conscious- 
ness of  safety  and  ask  him  that  question? 

"L-et  him  alone  for  awhile.  Our  work  here  is  misconstrued — 
nay,  misunderstood,  and  still  more,  sometimes  misdirected. 

"Undeceive  the  people.  We  are  a  moral  organization,  founded, 
as  all  such  should  be,  upon  Christian  principles,  on  Christ's  own 
teachings  as  a  basis — charity  to  all  men,  but  along  the  line  of  moral 
work  as  the  principal  highway.  In  spite  of  all  resistance  from  other 
influences,  the  work  on  this  line,  if  persistently  followed,  will  ulti- 
mately lead  into  the  straight  and  narrow  pathway,  and  it  is  in  this 
line  we  want  you  to  direct  your  efforts.  Ask  them  to  come  here 
to  improve  the  moral  tone,  physical  being,  mental  texture,  with  the 
full  assurance  that  a  pure  thought  and  a  clean  body  fit  up  a  dwelling- 
place  for  a  white  soul.  The  love  you  have  for  your  fellow-craftsmen 
may  be  shown  in  the  red  color  you  daily  use  as  a  guard  against  col- 
lision. The  purity  of  your  mind  may  be  shown  in  the  white  emblem 
of  safety  eagerly  displayed  when  danger  no  longer  exists;  while  the 
immortality  we  all  seek  to  enjoy  may  be  made  present  to  everyone 
in  the  green  color  held  aloft  when  the  highway  is  uncertain  as  to 
its  safety  for   rapid   passage.     Remember   your  colors   and   their 

80 


beautiful  significance:  red,  white  and  green — love,  purity  and  im- 
mortality." 

Early  in  the  year  Miss  Abbie  Parker  was  engaged  as  librarian. 
Her  intellectual  equipment,  quiet,  gentle  manner,  modest  demeanor 
and  sweet  Christian  character  pre-eminently  fitted  her  for  the 
position.  The  library  had  been  installed  on  the  first  floor,  but  the 
room  alloted  to  it  being  too  cramped  it  was  removed  to  the  second 
floor  and  reopened  on  the  15th  of  August  with  1240  books  on  the 
shelves. 

On  September  1  Mr.  Warner  R.  Thomas,  who  for  many  years 
had  been  a  clerk  at  the  Elm  Avenue  freight  station,  and  a  gentleman 
of  fine  character,  was  installed  as  Financial  Secretary  of  the  Depart- 
ment. In  addition  to  the  duties  of  that  position  he  was  assigned 
to  aid  the  General  Secretary  in  the  general  administration  of  the 
building. 

The  first  of  the  fall  receptions  was  given  on  Saturday  evening, 
October  6,  to  the  conductors,  brakemen  and  baggagemen  on  the 
various  divisions  centering  in  Philadelphia.  A  goodly  number  of 
trainmen  were  present,  and  they  were  entertained  by  one  of  the 
finest  concerts  ever  held  in  the  auditorium,  the  performers  being 
the  Ariel  Ladies'  Quartette,  of  Philadelphia;  Sallie  Grancell-Fitz, 
elocutionist;  and  Setaro,  the  harpist.  This  reception  was  followed 
by  a  second  one  on  Saturday  evening,  October  27,  the  guests  being 
the  yardmen  and  trackmen  of  the  various  divisions,  who  were  also 
well  entertained  by  the  Temple  Male  Quartette,  of  Philadelphia; 
Miss  Laura  Marks,  banjo  soloist;  and  Richard  Casper  Dillmore, 
humorist. 

The  first  of  the  series  of  entertainments  for  the  junior  members 
was  held  in  the  auditorium  on  Saturday  afternoon,  November  17. 
The  rain  kept  many  away,  but  did  not  dampen  the  ardor  of  the  250 
juniors  and  their  friends  who  did  attend.  It  was  refreshing  to 
witness  the  full  and  exuberant  enjoyment  the  boys  got  out  of  their 
special  entertainment. 

The  opening  of  the  fall  and  winter  work  aroused  a  new  earnest- 
ness in  the  religious  work  of  the  Department,  and  a  great  interest 
was  awakened  by  the  Sunday  afternoon  services  at  four  o'clock. 
Aside  from  Mr.  Erdman's  ministrations.  Rev.  Dr.  Henry  C.  McCook, 
on  Sunday,  September  30,  delivered  an  address  on  the  interesting 
subject  "Straightening  the  Curves,"  and  on  the  afternoon  of  October 
7,  Dr.  Bickerton  delivered  an  eloquent  sermon  to  over  700  people; 
while   the  outpouring  of  those  desirious  of  hearing  Rev.   Russell 

8z 


Conwell,  on  Sunday,  October  14,  was  overwhelming,  fully  a  thousand 
persons  crowding  the  auditorium,  and  equally  as  many  more  filled 
the  halls  and  reception-room  or  went  away  unable  to  gain  admission. 
Mr.  Conwell  took  as  his  text  the  story  of  the  blind  man  in  the  9th 
chapter  of  St.  John,  and  spoke  for  a  full  hour,  moving  his  audience 
in  turn  to  tears  and  smiles  as  he  portrayed  a  wonderfully  vivid  word 
picture  of  his  subject. 

The  story  for  1894  is  more  fully  told  in  the  proceedings  incident 
to  the  eighth  anniversary  of  the  Department,  held  in  the  auditorium 
on  Thursday  evening,  January  24,  1895.  The  programme,  which  was 
successfully  carried  out,  consisted  of: 

1 — Selection,  "The  Heavens  are  Telling" -Orchestra 

2— Hymn  No.  150,  "Gather  Them  In" ....Audience 

3— Invocation ..Rev.  S.  H.  Walker,  D.  D. 

4 — Reading  of  Scripture Rev.  A.  F.  Williamson 

5— Prayer Rev.  W.  H.  McCaughey,  D.  D. 

6 — Report  of  Chairman William  J.  Latta 

7 — Report  of  Treasurer John   B.   StaufiFer 

8 — Report  of  General  Secretary ...W.  N.  Multer 

9 — Brief  Addresses: 

J.  S.  Stackhouse,  R.  S.  Beatty, 

S.  D.  Mansfield,  R.  L.  Hannum, 

W.  H.  Simms,  J.  M.  Doran, 

C.  G.  Cadwallader,  Wm.  B.  Wilson. 

Hymn  No.  217,  "How  Firm  a  Foundation." 

Benediction Rev.  Charles  R.  Krdman. 

In  making  his  report  for  the  year.  Chairman  William  J.  Latta 
said : 

"This  is  the  first  anniversary  of  the  occupation  of  your  new 
home,  which  was  dedicated  and  turned  over  to  your  use  under  such 
inspiriting  circumstances  one  year  ago. 

"The  first  question  naturally  asked  by  you  of  these,  your 
Trustees,  is,  '  How  have  you  used  this  beautiful  home  towards  the 
accomplishment  of  that  sacred  trust  to  which  it  was  dedicated? 
How  have  you  met  the  hopes  and  dispelled  the  fears  that  then 
existed?'  The  Secretary  of  the  Department  has  prepared  for  you 
the  statistical  information  that  will  in  detail  and  by  patient  dis- 
section enable  you  to  better  diagnose  the  situation  and  secure 
your  answer,  the   answer  which   you   are  entitled  to  receive.      It 

82 


remains,  therefore,  for  this,  the  report,  your  Chairman  to  general- 
ize only. 

"The  most  cordial  co-operation  has  been  extended  by  the  Com- 
mitteemen. Their  labors  have  been  unselfishly  performed  and  the 
results  are  not  voiceless. 

"Your  Chairman  early  in  the  season  announced  for  the  con- 
sideration of  the  members  a  number  of  projects  for  the  benefit  of 
the  Department,  not  one  of  which  has  been  overlooked.  Many 
of  them  have  been  put  into  practical  use;  for  example,  the  building 
is  open  continuously,  night  and  day.  The  number  of  tired  men 
who  have  been  benefited  will  testify  to  the  comfort  in  this.  An 
electric  plant  and  searchlight  complete  has  been  secured  without 
material  cost  to  the  management.  You  will  soon  see  its  beacon 
as  you  are  riding  up  and  down  the  yard  tracks. 

"The  membership  has  been  doubled;  the  library  changed  in 
location,  handsomel}'^  increased  in  books,  influence  and  general 
utility,  and  greatly  improved  in  its  adaptability  to  the  member- 
ship; the  athletic  department  strengthened  along  its  lines,  the 
benefit  therefrom  being  daily  attested  by  the  youth  and  young  men 
hereabouts.  A  series  of  receptions  were  given,  representing  here 
in  these  rooms  and  halls  the  institution  in  all  its  merit  and  incul- 
cating a  broader  spirit  of  sociability. 

"The  official  organ  of  the  Department  has  been  improved  and 
beautified  and  its  circulation  increased,  practically  placing  it  upon 
a  paying  basis.  Subscribe  for  it !  Read  it  and  you  will  realize  the 
truth  of  this  statement. 

"The  Finance  Committee  have  been  able  to  provide  the  funds 
for  the  conduct  of  your  institution,  and,  at  the  year's  close,  have 
little  beside  the  mortgage  of  $13,000  outstanding  and  unpaid. 
That  is  good  stewardship,  is  it  not? 

"The  religious  work  has  been  nobly  forwarded,  and,  if  the 
Secretary  will  pardon  an  encroachment  upon  his  statistics,  I  will 
only  recite  these  remarkable  figures:  fifty  meetings  with  an  attend- 
ance of  nearly  25,000.  This  speaks  for  the  well-conducted  work 
of  that  committee.  Those  who  have  attended  will  second  our 
commendation. 

"The  Endowment  Fund  has  received  a  start,  small  it  is  true, 
but  sure.  The  Railroad  Company,  by  its  Board  of  Directors,  has 
consented  to  permit  the  Treasurer  of  that  Company  to  act  as  custo- 
dian of  this  fund,  to  hold,  invest  and  secure  the  interest. 

"The  expenses  for  1894  have  been  necessarily  heavy,   because 

83 


of  the  necessity  for  launching  the  work  of  the  Department  in  a 
manner  in  keeping  with  the  facihties. 

"The  Educational  Department  has  been  broadened  and  well 
conducted  upon  its  broader  basis. 

"The  entertainments  have  been  made  more  attractive  and  the 
class  thereof  put  upon  a  higher  plane — not  without  additional 
expense.  They  should  be  more  generally  attended  by  those  entitled 
to  attend  them,  and  they  will  be  more  widely  appreciated  and 
enjoyed. 

"The  lectures  have  been  carefully  chosen  and  to  the  more 
direct  issues  in  which  the  membership  are  interested.  The  instruc- 
tion to  be  received  therefrom  will  benefit  many  who  have  no  other 
opportunity  to  hear  such. 

"The  music  has  been  receiving  attention,  and  it  is  fair  to  expect 
from  the  present  outlook  that  much  of  that  needed  for  the  coming 
year  will  be  at  your  command  from  within  your  own  membership. 

"The  Junior  Department  has  had  the  careful  supervision  of 
a  careful  committee,  and  shows  the  good  therefrom.  Your  boys, 
who  in  many  cases  will  be  the  future  railroad  men,  have  not  been 
neglected.     So  much  for  the  past  year  in  general. 

"You  will  note  from  the  Treasurer's  report  that  there  has  been 
raised  for  the  uses  of  the  Department  during  the  year  $15,000. 
The  money  has  been  expended  with  the  best  care  and  judgment 
your  Committeemen  could  command,  and  with  these  objects  in 
view:  First,  to  allow  no  man  in  the  service  in  the  city  of  Philadel- 
phia or  vicinity,  say  within  40  or  80  miles,  to  feel  that  he  has  had 
no  opportunity  to  meet  with  some  invitation  that  would  attract 
out  of  the  hundreds  we  have  been  able  to  extend.  In  other  words, 
we  have  had  to  cater  to  the  varied  tastes  of  13,000  people,  to  ascer- 
tain just  what  they  lacked,  in  a  measure,  in  their  daily  lives,  and 
how  best  we  could  fill  that  void.  This  has  been,  as  you  will  doubt- 
less have  already  appreciated,  an  experimental  year,  one  wherein 
we  expended  more  money  than  we  will  be  obliged  to  next  year,  for 
the  reason  that  what  we  have  spent  has  taught  us  what  we  wanted 
to  know — about  what  is  required  to  meet  the  need  of  the  majority 
and  for  the  contentment  of  the  minority.  And  again,  while  the 
average  membership  and  the  dues  for  1894  have  been  1000  members, 
say  $3.00  each,  these  1000  have  had  their  money  back  in  amuse- 
ment, education  and  exercise  fivefold,  or,  what  the  members  paid 
$3000  to  obtain  cost  the  Association  $15,000  to  get.  That  seems 
like  a  contradictory  statement,  but  it  is  true,  and  I  wish  the  fact 

84 


to  be  understood,  that  by  the  help  of  the  corporations  with  which 
you  are  connected,  and  which  are  your  best  friends,  you  have  each 
got  $15.00  Avorth  of  good  things  here  that  only  cost  your  personal 
pocket  $3.00.  Next  year  our  expenditures  will  not  be  so  large; 
but,  notwithstanding  that,  you  will  perceive  no  retrogression  in  the 
class  or  character  of  the  work  or  its  attending  pleasures.  The  mem- 
bership now  numbers  nearly  2000,  and  the  revenues  creep  up  because 
a  large  number  of  full  memberships  are  coming  in.  In  another  two 
years  the  membership  should  reach  4000,  and  when  we  get  to  that 
figure  we  shall  be  able  to  afford  a  reduction  in  the  dues.  That  is 
certainly  an  encouragement  for  the  present  membership  to  bring 
in  more. 

"The  Treasurer  and  Finance  Committee  will  tell  you  in  actual 
figures  what  you  have  had  in  money,  where  it  came  from,  and  how 
it  was  expended ;  while  the  General  Secretary  will  tell  you  what  that 
money,  when  expended,  did  for  the  institution. 

"Now,  then,  my  fellow-employes  and  members  of  this  Depart- 
ment, it  remains  for  you  to  make  the  future  bear  more  fruit,  so  that 
your  Chairman,  Treasurer  and  General  Secretary,  whoever  they  may 
be  one  year  hence,  may  stand  upon  this  platform  and  tell  you  how 
much  better,  bigger  and  brighter  the  work  of  the  Department  has 
been  for  1895  than  for  the  5^ear  1894.  The  responsibility  is  really 
with  you.  It  will  be  a  serious  pity  if  there  will  be  no  percentages  of 
increase  to  be  reported  in  these  interesting  statistics,  and,  as  you  are 
the  judges  of  our  stewardship  for  1894,  it  is  the  hope  of  us  all  that, 
while  you  may  be  gratified  with  what  has  been  done,  no  slacking  up 
of  the  work  will  take  place.  Let  it  be  said  that,  while  the  task  has 
been  no  easy  one,  yet  it  has  been  made  easier  by  reason  of  the  system 
of  'pulling  together'  which  has  been  so  uniformly  practiced  by  these 
representatives  you  have  entrusted  with  the  work,  and  none  more 
so  than  to  that  unselfish,  devoted.  Christian  man,  the  President  of 
the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  and  to  your  sincere  and 
admirably  equipped  man  for  the  work,  the  General  Secretary  of 
the  Department. 

"Now,  then,  for  1895,  There  are  two  things  nearest  to  our 
hearts :  First,  our  debt  of  $13,000.  You  would  like  to  dispose  of  that . 
How  shall  it  be  done?  I  wish  it  could  be  paid  and  the  mortgage 
burned  in  the  open  lot  yonder  tonight!  Even  that  is  not  an  im- 
possibility. Greater  things  than  that  have  been  accomphshed  on 
the  spur  of  the  moment  by  determined  men.  It  is  a  burden.  It 
ought  not  to  exist.     It  shortens  our  usefulness.     It  contracts  our 

85 


field.     It  makes  a  shrinkage  in  the  influence  of  our  dollars.     It  should 
not  be  so.     But  what  will  you  do  with  it? 

'Second,  the  endowment  fund;  $150,000  or  even  $100,000,  if 
the  larger  sum  cannot  be  had,  would  be  about  right  for  your  per- 
manent invested  fund.  That  we  recognize  must,  and  should,  come 
gradually,  perhaps  slowly,  but  it  should  come.  It  will  come,  too, 
but  it  will  take  work.  As  railroad  men  we  were  all  brought  up  in  a 
hive  that  knows  few  drones,  and  therefore  there  is  no  discouragement 
because  there  is  work  ahead.  Subscriptions  from  members,  gifts 
from  friends,  legacies  from  the  charitable  are  all  avenues  to  which 
we  look  to  see  the  dollars  roll  from  into  our  Trustee's  hands.  The 
interest  from  this  fund  should  be  sufficient,  in  its  completion,  to 
completely  provide  for  the  operating  expenses  of  the  institution,  such 
as  repairs,  salaries,  light,  heat,  stationery,  printing,  furniture  and 
fixtures,  leaving  the  receipts  from  the  members  to  be  expended  on 
the  educational,  lecture  and  entertainment  features  of  the  Depart- 
ment. We  will  be  in  a  financial  ferment  until  that  is  done;  after 
that  we  will  be  in  financial  comfort.  You  can  see,  therefore,  the  need 
of  hastening  the  day  when  our  interest  from  investment  reaches  at 
least  $6000  per  year. 

"The  membership  should  be  the  subject  of  earnest  thought  and 
prayer  of  those  who  are  interested  therein.  There  are  not  nearly  as 
many  of  the  men  from  the  train  and  yard  service  as  there  should  be ; 
men  whose  lives  are  cast  in  channels  of  risk  and  hazard,  exposure 
and  hardship;  men  for  whom  we  are  equipped  to  extend  a  greater 
degree  of  personal,  physical  and  mental  comfort  than  is  perhaps 
understood. 

"Can  not  this  fact  be  brought  closer  to  your  hearts  than  it  has 
heretofore  been?  Can  you  not  constitute  yourselves  individually 
into  canvassers  and  induce  these  men  to  try  a  membership?  What 
greater  good  could  you  engage  in  than  a  work  of  this  kind?  Look 
about  you  and  tell  me  if  there  is  a  club-house  where  a  man  can  find 
more  to  instruct  and  entertain  for  a  small  annual  payment  than  here. 
Is  there  anything  lacking  in  us  or  our  work  that  is  needed  to  invite 
and  encourage  this  membership  for  the  purpose  we  have  in  view, 
namely,  the  elevation  of  character?  Have  we  failed  in  our  exhibi- 
tion of  true  unselfishness  to  our  fellow-employes?     If  so,  speak  out. 

"To  the  citizens  of  West  Philadelphia,  not  members  or  employes 
of  the  Companies  composing  the  organization,  many  of  whom  are 
here,  it  was  said  a  year  ago  that  the  establishment  of  this  house  in 
your  midst  meant  much  to  5'^ou  in  good  citizenship — that  in  which 

86 


every  man  and  woman  is  interested  who  has  the  peace  and  prosper- 
ity of  a  community  at  heart.  The  men  who  frequent  this  institu- 
tion, and  even  those  with  whom  they  associate  who  do  not  come 
here,  have  not  been  injured  by  this  influence;  in  fact,  we  know,  and 
you  know,  they  have  been  made  better  men,  better  boys,  so  that 
your  community  has  been  improved  in  its  citizenship,  and  therefore 
you  have  been  benefited.  So  that  this  institution  merits  your 
commendation  and  support  in  every  way.  Why  not  respond  to  this 
condition  in  whatever  way  you  can — assist  in  promoting  the  enter- 
tainment course,  Sunday  meetings,  and  financial  endowment?  Take 
this  home  with  you  and  give  it  your  serious  consideration. 

"To  the  Christian  citizen  let  it  be  said  that  the  results  have  been 
during  the  past  sixty  days  speaking  even  louder  than  words.  In  the 
first  place,  you  know  this  Department  has  not  been  permitted  to  be 
classed  as  a  church,  neither  has  it  been  operated  as  a  church  adjunct, 
but  upon  the  broadest  Christian  principles  of  moral  and  physical 
cleanliness,  to  the  improvement  of  body  and  mind — teaching  that 
pleasure,  comfort  and  profit  can  be  procured  from  a  cleaner  life.  No 
revival  meetings  have  been  held,  no  special  plea  made  for  men  to 
come  out  to  the  making  of  public  profession  of  faith;  but  mark  the 
result!  During  the  past  sixty  days  more  than  sixty  additions  to 
church  membership  right  here  in  West  Philadelphia  have  come  out 
of  this  Department,  confined  to  no  particular  creed.  One  per  day, 
for  two  months!  How  does  that  sound  for  the  improvement  in 
citizenship,  assuming,  of  course,  that  no  one  will  deny  that  an  open 
profession  of  faith  in  some  religious  creed,  and  the  practice  of  the  pre- 
cepts thereof,  will  make  a  man  a  better  citizen?  How  many  rail- 
road mothers — I  call  them  so  because  they  are  such,  and  because 
their  sons  are  to  be  the  future  railroad  men — rejoice  in  the  knowl- 
edge that  they  can  sing  a  line  in  answer  to  that  question :  '  Where  is 
my  boy  tonight'?  'He  is  at  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.'  How  often  have  they 
sung  that  in  their  hearts  during  the  past  year?  What  comfort  is 
there  in  the  thought  for  us  that  they  can  still  hum  over  to  themselves 
the  answer  for  1895? 

"How  many  more  will  join  in  the  refrain  as  the  days  pass  along? 
Is  there  any  comfort  to  the  man  at  the  throttle,  or  to  him  with  the 
shovel,  while  plunging  through  the  dark  night  at  high  speed,  or  slow, 
to  feel  that  the  boy  at  home  is  under  the  care  of  a  Multer,  a  Davis 
or  a  George,  fitting  himself  for  a  place  in  the  service  with  honor  and 
profit  to  himself,  and  at  scarcely  any  expense  to  his  monthly  check? 
Is  there  any  comfort  to  the  officer  or  employe  in  the  thought  that 

87 


he  has  been  instrumental  in  that  part  of  the  work  that  has  contrib- 
uted to  the  comfort  of  this  father,  mother  and  boy? 

"Doesn't  that  sweet  voice  of  contentment  as  it  sings  the  song 
'Oh,  where  is  my  boy  tonight?'  touch  a  joyous  cord  in  his  heart? 
Cannot  you  be  thankful  that  you  have  done  even  this  little  for  some 
one?  Where  is  there  a  sweeter  reward  for  all  your  hours  of  toil,  sus- 
pense and  worry  than  in  the  thought  that  you  have  been  able  to 
answer  that  question,  'Who  is  my  neighbor'? 

"There  is  in  this  work  the  opportunity  to  fold  away  the  empty 
napkin  forever  and  to  turn  out  the  talent  to  earn  at  least  its  legal 
interest.  There  is  not  a  man  here  who  could  not  count  his  best  pay 
the  greeting  that  may  come  to  each  laborer  in  the  cause:  'Well 
done,  good  and  faithful  servant.'  'Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done 
it  unto  the  least  of  these,  ye  have  done  it  unto  me. '  There  need 
be  no  fear  of  competition  in  this  labor;  it  is  free  to  all,  and  it  is 
as  roomy  as  the  air  around  you.  No  crowding  of  the  ranks.  The 
very  walls  themselves  move  back  as  the  hands,  heads  and  hearts 
reach  out  in  their  desire  and  effort  to  do  some  good  thing.  There 
need  be  no  fear  of  the  littleness  of  the  act.  There  is  no  measure  or 
qualification  about  it.  It  is  only  'Do  the  best  you  can'  and  'as 
well  as  you  can. '  The  result  comes  in  the  combination  or  aggre- 
gation of  effort.  There  is  where  the  measure  is  drawn  in  the  re- 
sults, and  no  one  is  overlooked  in  the  distribution  of  awards. 
Neither  is  there  a  degree  of  reward.  It  is  a 'Well  done!' for  each, 
and  an  '  Enter  in ! '  to  all. 

"One  word,  and  perhaps  a  new  thought  to  some  of  you,  in  ex- 
planation of  what  has  been  framed  almost  into  a  series  of  inquiries. 
Why  do  these  men  interest  themselves  in  this  work?  I  mean  the 
men  whose  lives  seem  busy  enough  in  worldly  affairs.  What  was 
this  building  built  for?  What  is  the  cause  of  this  impulsive,  vigor- 
ous effort?  Well,  commencing  with  the  last:  Simple  enough,  to 
be  sure!  Because  these  men  are  engaged  in  a  daily  work  that  calls 
forth  all  the  impulse  and  vigor  of  healthy  natures,  and  all  that  they 
do  is  done  with  the  same  attributes. 

"This  building  was  put  into  use  for  the  introduction  of  a  system 
of  impulsive,  vigorous  Christianity,  free  from  creed,  dogma,  super- 
stition and  bigotry,  and  endowed  with  a  pure,  simple  faith  in  clean- 
liness, godliness  and  the  power  of  an  endless  life.  Why  are  these 
busy  men  interested  here?  Because,  first,  they  are  human.  By 
that  I  mean  they  are  actuated  by  a  feeling  of  humanity — of  a  creed 
like  this:  'Man 's  humanity  to  man. '     It  isn't  new — Christ  taught  it. 

88 


The  cynic  sometimes  adds  a  prefix  to  the  humanity  and  makes  it 
bitter;  but  that  creed  is  not  in  here. 

"A  responsibility  rests  upon  them  of  more  than  mere  superior 
and  subordinate  in  daily  work;  a  feeling  of  simple,  Christian,  neigh- 
borly duty;  to  aid  in  the  upbuilding  of  character;  the  founding  of 
opportunities  to  see  the  better  side  of  life ;  to  the  forgetting  that  the 
gain  for  self,  for  family  or  for  country  is  all  there  is  in  this  life;  to 
the  recollection  that  in  the  endless  lives  bequeathed  to  us  all  there 
is  need  for  preparation,  and  to  prepare  there  must  come  oppor- 
tunity and  encouragement.  That  is  what  we  are  doing  here.  These 
men  interest  themselves  here  because  they  made  an  inward  pledge 
to  their  God  that  they  will  take  this  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  which  in  its  name 
and  spirit  signifies  impulse,  and  move  with  it,  and  in  this  way  meet 
the  promptings  of  their  better  natures.  It  is  no  selfish  act ;  there  are 
no  sinister  motives  behind  it,  but  a  pure  desire  to  have  opened  up 
for  the  pleasure  and  profit  of  these  men  and  youths  the  light  of  a 
simple  brotherly  love,  founded  on  the  purest  Christianity.  This  is 
their  view  of  living  for  each  other  and  teaching  each  other  the  way 
to  the  enjoyment  of  an  endless  life.  In  return,  nothing;  nothing 
is  wanted  save  the  pleasure  of  watching  the  seed  grow  and  the  plant 
bloom.  It  will  give  them  joy  if  but  a  single  life  feels  the  impulse 
and  responds  to  its  own  profit.  Some  night,  no  doubt,  one  of  these 
jolly,  good-natured  car-droppers  or  freight  brakemen,  passing  down 
the  yard  on  the  upper  deck,  will  hear  the  music  of  voices  out  of  this 
hall  sending  up  a  peal  of  joyous  song,  and,  as  his  eyes  turn  to  the 
granite  walls,  his  heart  turns  up  to  the  blue  sky  above  the  clouds ; 
the  response  has  come  to  these  interested  men.  The  impulse  has 
reached  the  man  on  the  brake;  his  soul  communes;  life  brightens 
and  broadens,  and  the  mission  has  had  its  fruit. " 


89 


The  treasurer  reported  receipts  and    expenditures  for  1894  as 
follows : 

RECEIPTS. 

Contributions $7,471.50 

Dues 3,731.54 

Loans. 798.47 

The  News_ 926.26 

Entertainments 891.95 

Athletics.. 480.23 

Rents 335.00 

Sunday  collections 158.85 

Literary 94.25 

Library. 40.92 

Sundries 19.35 

Total  receipts $14,948.32 

EXPENDITURES. 

Salaries $3,484.84 

The  News 1,471.55 

Athletics 1,429.35 

Loans 1,232.03 

Printing  and  stationery 1,190.73 

Gas  and  electric  light 985.29 

Games,  supplies  and  sundries 397.45 

Educational 476.74 

Coal 308.70 

Taxes 240.50 

Repairs 222.87 

Furniture 189.66 

Sunday  music... 142.45 

Hymnals,  etc 120.00 

Newspapers,  periodicals,  etc. 114.74 

Badges 100.00 

Rent 33.00 

Ice.. 25.23 

Labor 21.00 

Water  rent.. 7.52 

Entertainments 2,230.64 

Library 328.29 

Total  expenditures $14,752.58 

Leaving  balance  on  hand,  January 

1,  1895. $195.74 

The  Building  Fund  stands: 

Cash  contributions $54,848.36 

Expenses  of  building 56,739.29 

Leaving  balance  still  due 1,890.93 

90 


In  addition  to  the  above  cash  contributions  from  friends  of  the 
enterprise,  we  were  also  in  receipt  of  many  dollars'  worth  of  materials 
which  entered  into  the  construction  of  the  buliding. 

A  mortgage  of  $15,000.00  was  placed  on  the  building,  $2000.00 
of  which  has  been  paid  oflf. 

Into  the  endowment  fund  during  the  year  there  was  paid  the 
sum  of  $131.25. 

The  reports  of  the  various  committees  for  the  year,  epitomized, 

are  as  follows : 

Membership. 

The  number  of  members  enrolled  was  1587,  classified  as  follows: 

Adams  Express 12 

Agents 25 

Baggage  Department 11 

Brakemen 81 

Chief  clerks 28 

Clerks 445 

Conductors.... 68 

Engineers — Civil. 2 

Engineers — Locomotive 62 

Firemen 37 

Flagmen 33 

Foremen 37 

General 181 

Inspectors. 88 

IvCvermen 3 

Messengers. 33 

Operators. 26 

Officials 28 

Officers — Special 2 

Post-Office  Department 3 

Pullman  employes 3 

Shopmen 75 

Stenographers 5 

Sons  of  employes 47 

Switchmen 3 

Station  masters 2 

Ticket  examiners 3 

Train  dispatchers 11 

Union  News  employes 7 

Union  Transfer  employes 4 

Warehousemen 75 

Yardmasters 17 

Junior  members 130 

Total 1,587 

A  gain  of  799  members  over  the  preceding  year. 

91 


EDucATioNAiy  Committee. 

There  were  146  students  enrolled  in  the  various  educational 
classes,  and  the  progress  of  the  students  was  very  satisfactory.  As 
the  closing  of  the  year  was  in  the  midst  of  the  season's  work  full 
statistics  were  not  available,  but  the  showing  on  December  31  was 
as  follows : 

Branches  of  study  taught 9 

Students  enrolled 146 

Class  sessions.. 228 

Total  attendance 2,592 


Library  Committee. 

Volumes  in  Library 1,844 

Pieces  of  reading  matter  on  file 66 

Composed  of: 

Monthlies 18 

Weeklies 38 

Dailies _ 10 

Book  circulation 4800 


Literary  Committee. 

The  committee  gave  sixteen  lectures  during  the  year,  covering 
subjects  of  travel,  exploration,  results  of  scientific  investigation, 
bridge  construction,  social  problems,  and  six  lectures  on  "The 
American  Railway"  by  Dr.  Emory  L.  Johnson,  of  the  Wharton 
School  of  Finance  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 

The  attendance  on  these  lectures  aggregated  3594. 


The  Entertainment  Committee. 

The  committee  gave  in  the  course  of  the  year  twenty  enter- 
tainments of  the  highest  quality,  two  general  and  six  departmental 
entertainments,  at  which  the  attendance  totaled   11,820. 

92 


The  Athletic  Committee. 

In  the  gymnasium  classes  the  attendance  was  3120  Seniors 
and  2592  Juniors,  a  total  of  5712.  During  the  summer  months 
there  were  100  baths  taken  daily  and  in  the  winter  months  ten. 
In  the  field  the  athletic  grounds,  exclusive  of  exhibition  and  public 
contests  and  games,  was  used  120  days,  with  an  attendance  of  6000. 
There  were  twenty-three  public  contests  and  games,  with  an  attend- 
ance of  3450,  and  three  athletic  exhibitions,  with  an  attendance  of 
1570,  making  a  total  attendance  in  the  gymnasium  and  grounds  of 
16,732. 

Religious  Work  Committee. 

The  Religious  Work  Committee  held  during  the  year  the  follow- 
ing meetings: 

Sunday  afternoon  meetings 50 

Attendance 23,650 

Cottage  meetings.... 8 

Attendance 184 

Evening  song  service 66 

Attendance 1,152 

A  total  of  124  meetings,  the  aggregate  attendance  at  which 
was  24,986. 

The  Junior  Committee. 

The  Junior  branch  closed  the  year  with  130  members.  Aside 
from  their  activities  which  are  embraced  in  the  reports  of  the  other 
committees,  they  had  five  outings  with  a  total  attendance  of  215. 

The  Women's  Auxiliary. 

Members  at  close  of  year.. 93 

Increase  over  February  1893 81 

They  held  nineteen  meetings,  with  an  aggregate  attendance  of 
950;  gave  twelve  entertainments,  assisted  in  nine  receptions  of 
the  Department,  aided  in  securing  thirty  members  to  the  Depart- 
ment, made  forty-three  sick  visits,  sent  out  thirty  bouquets  of  flowers 
and  furnished  four  floral  designs  for  funerals.  They  expended 
$450  which  they  had  collected,  and  had  a  balance  of  $75  in  their 
treasury. 

93 


Recapitulation  of  Attendance  for  the  Year. 

Educational  classes 2,592 

Lectures 3,594 

Entertainments 11,820 

Athletics 16,732 

Religious  services 24,986 

Junior  outings 215 

Women's  Auxiliary 950 

Total  attendance 60,889 

The  total  is  exclusive  of  daily  visitors,  and  shows  an  increase 
in  attendance  of  39,605  over  the  attendance,  which  included  13,212 
daily  visitors,  in  the  most  active  year  at  3607  Haverford  Street. 

This  narrative  for  1894  has  been  given  largely  in  detail  for  the 
purpose  of  showing  the  scope  of  the  work  and  the  possibilities  of  the 
Department  when  equipped  with  proper  facilities  to  move  along 
progressive  lines  to  ever-increasing  achievements.  It  also  demon- 
strates that  the  expenditures  in  means  and  efforts  were  well  directed 
and  produced  good  results. 

1895. 

A  year  had  now  passed  since  the  home  of  the  Department  had 
been  opened.  The  activity  and  enthusiasm  which  thus  far  had 
characterized  the  movement  not  only  did  not  exhibit  any  signs  of 
diminishing,  but  continued  with  increased  and  ever-increasing  force. 
The  new  year  opened  with  a  common  determination  on  the  part  of 
the  membership  to  place  the  Department  standard  far  in  advance; 
the  number  of  committees  were  increased  and  their  membership 
enlarged,  and  so  efficient  were  they  in  the  betterment  of  the  work 
that  when  the  year  closed  decided  progress  was  shown  in  every 
direction. 

The  quarterly  tea  of  the  committeemen  was  held  on  January 
17,  and  notwithstanding  the  night  was  one  of  the  most  inclement 
of  the  season,  and  one  when  borean  winds  filled  the  air  with  rain 
and  sleet,  nearly  one  hundred  men,  from  different  ranks  in  the  Com- 
pany service  and  actively  engaged  in  the  work  of  the  various  com- 
mittees, assembled  in  the  building  and  reported  on  the  work  accom- 
plished and  to  be  done,  besides  interchanging  views  as  to  the  best 
methods  to  be  pursued  for  the  advancement  of  the  general  good. 

The  earnestness,  the  sincerity  and  the  enthusiasm  of  those 
committeemen  on  that  occasion  gave  proof  of  the  faithfulness  with 

94 


which  the  work  was  being  pursued.  Government  by  committee, 
with  individual  independence  and  individual  responsibility,  was 
an  early  principle  upon  which  the  Department  was  being  conducted. 
Its  practical  application  so  diffused  the  work  among  the  membership 
that  the  phenomenal  growth,  prosperity  and  efficiency  of  the  Depart- 
ment, so  generally  recognized,  became  the  logical  sequence.  These 
mass-meetings  of  committeemen  around  a  hospitable  board  are  a 
distinguishing  feature  of  the  Department,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  their 
counterpart  is  to  be  found  elsewhere  in  any  religious  or  semi-reli- 
gious institution  in  the  world.  They  have  been  kept  up  with  undevi- 
ating  regularity  throughout  the  life  of  the  Department,  increasing 
as  the  years  pass  on  in  the  number  of  persons  present  and  intensity 
of  interest.  At  some  of  the  meetings  as  high  as  two  hundred  and 
fifty  men  have  been  present,  and  at  each  meeting  each  man  has  felt 
his  responsibility  for  some  part  of  the  work,  and  shown  an  intelli- 
gent appreciation  of  it  and  an  ever-present  desire  to  do  his  duty  and 
do  it  well. 

This  initial  tea  was  followed  by  another  on  Friday,  April  19, 
which  in  its  scope  was  one  of  the  most  important  and  spiritual 
meetings  intended  to  bring  railroad  men  into  greater  harmony  on 
the  basis  of  Christianity  that  has  ever  been  held  in  the  building. 
Aside  from  the  committeemen  meeting  to  talk  over  the  work  in 
hand  and  in  the  prospective,  they  were  also  there  to  receive  a  dele- 
gation from  the  New  York  Central  Railroad  Association. 

Nearly  two  hundred  men  sat  down  to  a  table  bountifully  sup- 
plied and  beautifully  served  by  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary.  It  was  re- 
gretted that  indisposition  detained  Mr.  Latta,  Chairman,  at  home. 
In  his  absence,  the  First  Vice-Chairman  received  the  visitors,  ten- 
dered them  a  hearty  welcome,  and  placed  the  meeting  in  their  charge. 
Mr.  G.  A.  Warburton,  the  General  Secretary  of  the  New  York  Central 
Association,  presided,  and  brief  speeches  were  made  by  the  following 
gentlemen  on  the  following  subjects: 

The  General  Plan  of  Organization  of  the  New  York  Branch,  Mr. 

R.  R.  McBurney. 
The  West  Seventy-second  Street  Room,  Mr.  John  H.  Wick. 
The  Weehawken  Rooms,  Mr.  W.  G.  Wattson. 
The  New  Durham  Building,  Mr.  A.  C.  Summers. 
A  Unique  Home  for  an  Association — Car  238,  Mr.  C.  F.  Jewell. 
The  Membership,  Mr.  W.  H.  Smith. 
How  the  Revenue  is  Secured  and  Expended,  Mr.  C.  E.  Patterson. 

95 


The  Entertainments,  Mr.  S.  J.  Le  Marquand  and  Mr.  Sylvester 

S.  Bliss. 
The  Ivibrary,  Mr.  Charles  F.  Cox. 
Our  Monthly  Paper,  Mr.  J.  H.  Hustis. 
The  Religious  Meetings,  Mr.  W.  E.  Fenno. 

On  the  conclusion  of  these  speeches  "Jim"  Burwick,  freight 
conductor  and  evangelist  from  the  Evansville  &  Terre  Haute  Rail- 
road, spoke  for  a  few  minutes  on  the  "faith  that  is  in  him,"  and 
expressed  his  thankfulness  for  it.  The  meeting  did  not  adjourn 
until  10.30,  but  great  interest  was  evinced  in  all  that  was  said  and 
done.  The  General  Secretaries  from  the  railroad  branches  at  Al- 
toona,  Derry  and  Columbia  were  also  present,  and  when  the  con- 
ference adjourned  everyone  present  felt  that  he  had  been  benefited 
both  in  a  temporal  and  spiritual  sense. 

In  this  same  month  of  April,  Mr.  George  B.  Roberts,  President 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  in  a  letter  replying  to  a 
committee  of  "the  New  York  Methodist  Preachers'  Meeting"  on 
the  subject  of  clerical  permits  on  railroads,  declared  the  attitude  of 
the  railroad  towards  Christianity  in  these  very  forceful  words : 

"I  think  I  can  safely  say  for  all  the  railroads  throughout  the 
country,  certainly  for  our  own,  that  we  fully  appreciate  the  great 
advantages  that  come  to  our  Company,  both  directly  and  indirectly, 
by  the  good  influence  of  Christian  work  in  all  departments  among 
our  employes,  and  likewise  among  the  general  community  with 
whom  we  have  to  deal. 

"I  am  one  of  those  who  believe  that  there  is  quite  as  much 
good  Christian  character  among  the  employes  of  railroad  companies 
as  there  is  in  the  communities  through  which  the  railways  pass;  and 
that  it  is  not  only  our  interest  to  endeavor  to  aid  all  Christian  efforts 
among  our  employes,  but  quite  as  much  to  our  interest  to  endeavor 
to  establish  the  views  of  Christianity  among  the  communities  with 
whom  we  are  brought  in  contact." 

The  Library  Committee,  under  the  efficient  and  intelligent 
management  of  Mr.  William  Hammersley,  made  a  popular  move- 
ment in  establishing  a  reading-room  adjacent  to  the  library  by  util- 
izing a  lecture-room  for  that  purpose.  The  committee  constantly 
studied  every  phase  of  their  work  to  the  end  of  improving  it.  On 
Monday  evening.  May  6,  they  gave  a  book  reception  which  was  very 
successful  and  one  of  the  most  enjoyable  affairs  that  from  time 
to  time  have  been   given   in  the  building.     There  were  800  books 

96 


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received  and  sufficient  money  to  purchase  several  hundred  more, 
so  that  the  library  was  enriched  by  the  addition  of  1000  volumes,  a 
large  majority  of  them  being  new  and  well-bound  works  of  standard 
authors. 

Bottomley's  orchestra  discoursed  popular  selections  during  the 
early  part  of  the  evening,  after  which  an  enjoyable  concert  was  given 
in  the  auditorium  bv  the  following  artists: 


'«5 


PROGRAMME. 


PART  I. 


Overture Allen's  Orchestra 

Piano  solo W.  L.  Nassau 

Bass  solo Harry  H.  Jones 

■p.     ,  f  Miss  Lena  Winters  Tappen 

^"^^ \  Mr.  William  Jay  Street 

Cornet  solo J.  Ross  Corbin 

Soprano  solo Mrs.  W.  L.  Nassau 

Humorist Samuel  B.  McQuilkin 

PART  II. 

Selection Allen's  Orchestra 

■j-j     ,  f  Mrs.  W.  Iv.  Nassau 

"~ \  Harry  E.  Jones 

Recitation. Miss  Mary  McQuilkin 

Soprano  solo Miss  Lena  Winters  Tappen 

Humorist Samuel  B.  McQuilkin 

Tenor  solo William  Jay  Street 

Selection Allen's  Orchestra 

Between  the  first  and  second  parts  of  the  programme  Mr. 
William  Hammersley,  Chairman  of  the  Library  Committee,  appeared 
upon  the  stage  and  made  the  following  address  to  the  audience: 

"Ladies  and  Gentlemen: — I  want  to  take  this  opportunity 
to  thank  you  on  behalf  of  the  Library  Committee.  Up  to  the  pres- 
ent time  we  have  received  786  volumes;  this  makes  a  total  of  3076 
volumes  in  the  library.  I  do  not  want  to  detain  you  by  giving  a 
long  list  of  figures.  I  will  just  give  you  a  short  sketch  of  the  amount 
of  work  we  have  been  doing  in  the  library.  In  the  month  of  Sep- 
tember there  were  175  books  in  circulation,  which  number  gradually 
grew  until  December,  when  there  were  687,  and  for  the  month  of 
March  we  reached  1306  books— from  175  to  1306!  In  the  first 
three  months  of  this  year  we  gave  out  a  total  of  3169  books,  so  you 
can  see  the  work  we  have  been  doing,  and,  on  behalf  of  the  committee, 

97 


I  want  to  thank  each  and  all  of  you  for  your  kind  interest  and  your 
generous  response  to  our  appeal.  I  assure  you  it  is  not  alone  appre- 
ciated by  the  Library  Committee,  but  also  by  the  Board  of  Man- 
agement; and  we  would  earnestly  request  that  each  member  of  the 
Association  take  advantage  of  the  library — take  a  book  out,  take  it 
home,  and  let  the  whole  family  read  it.  I  would  add  that  in  addition 
to  the  786  volumes  received,  there  was  contributed  about  $104." 

On  May  1,  Professor  McVeigh  resigned  as  Physical  Director, 
his  resignation  being  effective  June  1.  The  position  was  not  filled 
until  September  15,  when  Professor  J.  W.  Sims  entered  upon  the 
duties.  Professor  Sims  had  been  for  the  preceding  six  years  physical 
instructor  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Washington, 
D.  C,  whose  building  there  had  recently  been  destroyed  by 
fire.  He  was  a  man  of  high  Christian  character,  and  had  a  fine 
record  as  a  director  of  physical  culture  throughout  England  and 
America.  He  laid  the  foundations  in  gymnasium  and  field  for  the 
high  standard  of  physical  development  for  which  the  athletic  de- 
partment of  the  work  is  famous.  He  constantly  led  in  building  on 
those  foundations  until  the  Broad  Street  Station  Annex  was  estab- 
lished, when  his  abilities  caused  him  to  be  transferred  there  as  its 
administration  ofiicer.  He  is  still  there  (1910),  and  the  success  of 
that  branch  of  the  work  is  to  a  large  extent  due  to  his  activities. 

During  this  year  the  name  of  Robert  S.  Beatty  was  added  as 
Fourth  Vice-President  to  the  officers  of  the  Department.  The 
chairmen  of  committees  remained  the  same  as  in  the  preceding 
year,  with  the  following  substituted  exceptions : 

Executive,  James  S.  Stackhouse. 
Literary,  John  M.  Doran. 
Educational,  A.  A.  Brown. 
Membership,  Robert  S.  Beatty. 

The  additional  committees  formed  were  as  follows : 

Association  Extension. 

Roger  Harkinson,  W.  L.  Megary, 

Chairman.  H.  J.  Kromer, 


John  Downs, 

Chairman. 


Boarding- House. 


98 


Board  oj  Ushers. 


W.  T.  Adams, 

Chairman. 
Friend  Swift, 
A.  A.  Brown, 
D.  W.  Freas, 
Charles  R.  Smith, 
J.  H.  Lange, 
W.  H.  Demuth, 
H.  J.  Flood, 
Frank  Roberts, 


Oliver  P.  Ludwig, 

Chairman. 


Harry  J.  Kromer, 

B.  B.  Thompson, 
Alex.  McKenzie, 
I.  J.  Transue, 

C.  Townsend, 
A.  P.  Weaver, 
W.  H.  George, 
A.  Fordyce, 

J.  Tyrrell, 
William  Jackson. 


Decoration. 


A.  Vandergrift, 
Frank  Aicher, 


Martin  Killhan. 


Grounds. 


James  McConkey, 

Chairman. 
L.  R.  Zollinger, 
W.  S.  Magee, 
C.  W.  Hitch, 


Andrew  Carson, 
J.  G.  Rodgers, 
Thomas  B.  Essick, 
John  Smith, 
Carver  McMinn. 


Robert  Bottomley, 

Chairman. 
W.  H.  Robinson, 
A.  J.  McLain, 


Music. 


W.  H.  Murdock, 
Amos  Myers, 
B.  Frank  Oler, 
George  Kerns, 


Frank  Stecker. 


P.  W.  Cobb, 

Chairman. 


William  Weest, 
Harry  Ross, 
Thos.  B.  Bssick, 


Reception. 


Paul  V.  McGuigen, 
Secretary. 


sub-chairmen: 


John  Wiegle, 

S.  W.  Crowe, 

Joseph  Justice, 
B.  F.  Miller. 


99 


J.  M.  Doran, 
C.  B.  Nixon, 
W.  T.  Adams, 
Frank  Farrell, 
G.  W.  Douglass, 
W.  R.  Thomas, 
J.  M.  Reppard, 
R.  S.  Hammersley, 
H.  Herzog, 
J.  H.  Downs, 
S.  F.  Cook, 
J.  H.  Du  Pell, 

F.  E.  A.  Robinson, 
Charles  A.  Baker, 
Frank  Roberts, 
George  Riggs, 
Benjamin  Huddle, 
Jos.  A.  Grant, 
Horace  Cline, 
John  Skelton, 
George  Mattis, 
William  Nixon, 

H.  C.  McKnight, 
W.  H.  George, 
Friend  Swift, 
S.  D.  Mansfield, 

G.  M.  Stewart, 
William  Jackson, 
G.  Hinchliff, 

W.  Hammersley, 
W.  H.  Edney, 
H.  J.  Flood, 


committee: 

J.  K.  Worrall, 

C.  I/.  Buckman, 

D.  H.  Strickland, 
Alfred  S.  Bruce, 
Samuel  Knowles, 
J.  J.  McCornin, 
G.  Iv.  Leefifler, 
W.  H.  Beaver, 
D.  S.  Moore, 
William  Lay  ton, 
W.  C.  Pinkerton, 
Charles  Althouse, 

F.  W.  Smith, 
W.  W.  Allison, 
William  Peabody, 

G.  R.  Howell, 
Thos.  McKittrick, 
A.  A.  Brown, 
Charles  h.  Eaton, 
M.  F.  Casey, 
Charles  R.  Smith, 
A.  O.  Miller, 

W.  G.  Allison, 
J.  S.  Hemple, 
J.  McKenzie, 
S.  I.  Cadwallader, 
Hiram  Graham, 
William  Sharp, 
C.  B.  Kefifer, 
J.  C.  McConnell, 
Samuel  A.  Martin, 
H.  F.  Brooks, 
James  Vanhorn. 


With  these  additional  committees  there  was  a  total  of  383  com- 
mitteemen actively  engaged  during  the  year,  the  results  of  whose 
work  are  to  be  found  in  the  following  summing  up  as  given  at  the 
anniversary  held  in  the  auditorium  on  Thursday  evening,  January 
16,  1896.  At  eight  o'clock  on  that  evening  the  hall,  platform  and 
galleries  were  filled   to  overflowing   with   people   when  Chairman 


lOO 


WILLIAM   N.  MULTER, 
General  Secretary,  1890-1896. 


William  J.  Latta  opened  the  exercises  by  requesting  the  audience 
to  rise  and  sing  the  following  hymn : 

Come,  Thou  Almighty  King, 
Help  us  Thy  name  to  sing, 

Help  us  to  praise; 
Father!  all  glorious, 
Come  and  reign  over  us, 

Ancient  of  days  I 

Come,  Thou  incarnate  Word, 
Gird  on  Thy  mighty  sword; 

Our  prayer  attend: 
Come,  and  Thy  people  bless; 
And  give  Thy  word  success: 
Spirit  of  holiness! 

On  us  descend. 

Come,  Holy  Comforter! 
Thy  sacred  witness  bear, 

In  this  glad  hour: 
Thou,  who  almighty  art. 
Now  rule  in  every  heart. 
And  ne'er  from  us  depart, 

Spirit  of  power. 

To  the  great  One  in  Three 
The  highest  praises  be 

Hence  evermore! 
His  sovereign  majesty 
May  we  in  glory  see, 
And  to  eternity 

Love  and  adore! 

Rev.  Henry  C.  McCook,  D.  D.,  then  led  in  prayer  and  Rev.  J. 
G.  Bickerton,  D.  D.,  read  a  passage  of  Scripture.  Upon  its  conclu- 
sion, the  General  Secretary  made  his  annual  report. 

Mr.  Multer,  in  opening,  said : 

"There  comes  with  the  close  of  the  nine  years  of  history  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  of  Philadelphia  great  cause  for  thanksgiving.  Every 
department  of  the  work  has  been  more  successful  than  last  year, 
not  only  in  the  number  of  men  who  availed  themselves  of  the  use 
of  the  many  privileges  of  the  Department,  but  also  in  the  general 
improvement  in  the  qualit}^  of  the  privileges  thus  presented,  as  well 
as  more  hearty  response  and  general  appreciation  on  the  part  of  the 
members. 

lOI 


"At  the  beginning  of  the  year  1895  our  Department  took  its 
place  among  the  leading  railroad  departments  of  the  country,  and 
during  the  year  its  record  has  been  surpassed  by  none.  The  influ- 
ence of  the  work  has  been  constantly  extending,  until  a  marked 
moral  improvement  is  shown  in  all  departments  of  the  railroad  ser- 
vice. So  noticeable  has  this  been  that  in  many  instances  it  has  been 
favorabl}'  commented  upon  to  officers  of  the  Department  by  men  who 
were  not  members  nor  in  special  sympathy  with  the  Association. 

"After  a  careful  study  of  the  field,  your  Secretary  can  report 
more  thorough  organization,  greater  devotion  on  the  part  of  com- 
mitteemen, a  growing  spirit  of  appreciation  and  pride  in  the  build- 
ing and  the  work  of  the  Department  by  the  members,  and  a  nearer 
approach  to  the  real  purpose  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Associa- 
tion, which  is  the  winning  of  men  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

"We  are  compelled  to  regret,  even  more  than  at  the  close  of 
last  year,  the  lack  of  room  for  the  various  departments  of  our  work, 
and  I  desire  to  urge  upon  the  Board  of  Management  the  consider- 
ation of  plans  for  suitable  extensions  looking  forward  to  doubling 
the  capacity  of  the  present  rooms. 

"The  growth  of  the  work  during  the  year  1895  has  been  due  to 
the  diffusion  of  responsibility ;  and  if  the  Department  is  to  continue 
to  grow,  it  will  be  by  reason  not  only  of  the  prayers,  but  of  the 
sacrifice  on  the  part  of  its  many  Christian  members  of  time,  pleasure 
and  money,  for  its  success." 

Mr.  Multer  then  entered  upon  a  detailed  report  of  the  work  of 
the  different  committees,  which,  condensed,  were  as  follows: 

The  Entertainment  Committee  reported  that  they  had  given 
to  the  members  twelve  concerts  and  one  lecture,  the  attendance 
aggregating  5920  persons  and  averaging  460.  The  cost  paid  for 
talent  was  $1142.60,  and  the  revenue  derived  from  ticket  sales  was 
$792.70,  leaving  the  net  cost  to  the  Department  $340.90.  They 
also  reported  that  the  demands  at  times  on  the  auditorium  were 
greater  than  its  capacity,  rendering  the  early  enlargement  a  necessity. 

The  Literary  Committee,  in  connection  with  the  West  Park 
Centre  of  the  University  Extension  Society,  provided  for  six  lectures 
upon  English  Literature  by  Professor  Robert  Ellis  Thompson,  at 
which  1388  persons  attended,  being  an  average  of  238.  The  net  cost 
of  these  lectures  to  the  Department  was  $41.35.  It  has  also  organ- 
ized a  Literary  Society,  which  promises  to  make  one  of  the  promi- 
nent features  of  the  Department.  Mr.  W.  H.  Simms,  Train  Master 
of  the  Philadelphia  Division,  gave  a  practical  talk  on  the  subject  of 


I02 


"Individual  Training  in  the  Train  Service"  which  was  enjoyed  by- 
over  600  people.  During  the  season  the  following  lectures  have 
been  given  in  addition  to  the  foregoing : 

Illustrated  lecture  by  Robarts  Harper;  attendance,  650. 

Timely  Topics  by  Rev.  F.  C.  Inglehart;  attendance,  400. 

Crayon  Talk  by  S.  M.  Spedon ;  attendance  425. 

The  expense  of  these  three  lectures  was  $155.00.  The  average 
attendance  on  the  opening  months  of  1895  was  162,  whilst  that  of 
the  closing  months  reached  332,  or  double,  showing  the  rapidly 
growing  interest  in  the  subjects  handled  by  the  committee. 

The  Educational  Committee  notes  the  rapid  growth  in  numbers 
of  students  enrolled  and  in  the  advances  made.  There  were  two 
terms  of  tuition,  January  1  to  March  31,  and  October  1  to  Decem- 
ber 31,  1895,  during  which  in  the  classes  of  stenography  and  type- 
writing, telegraphy,  mechanical  drawing,  bookkeeping,  penmanship, 
arithmetic  and  electricity  there  were  enrolled  153  students.  During 
the  year  225  class  sessions  were  held  at  which  the  aggregate  attend- 
ance was  2251  persons. 

The  committee  suffers  in  its  work  for  lack  of  sufficient  room 
in  the  building  to  carry  it  on. 

The  Library  Committee  reports: 

Number  of  books  on  hand  January  1,  1895..  1,844 

Number  of  books  added 1,538 

Number  of  books  at  close  of  year. 3,382 

Number  of  books  circulated  during    year 11,399 

The  growing  demands  upon  the  library  and  the  necessity  for  its 
continued  enlargement  call  urgently  for  more  room. 

The  Building  Committee  during  the  year  added  very  much  to 
the  improvement  and  convenience  of  the  house  by  providing  better 
light,  heat  and  platform  and  coat-room  furnishings. 

The  Athletic  Committee,  in  submitting  its  report,  says: 

"Many  improvements  have  been  made  in  the  gymnasium  and 
at  the  grounds  at  Fifty-second  Street,  and  the  athletic  interests  are 
now  under  the  care  of  Professor  J.  W.  Sims,  Physical  Director.  A 
marked  improvement  in  the  discipline  and  also  in  athletic  sports 
is  noticeable. 

"It  is  endeavoring  to  have  a  bicycle  track  built  and  a  grand- 
stand erected  on  the  grounds  at  Fifty-second  Street,  and  is  confident 
in  the  belief  that  with  them  the  grounds  will  produce  a  revenue 
to  the  Association  beyond  the  expenses,  whilst  affording  the  members 
much  pleasure  and  exercise. 

103 


"From  June  1  to  September  15  the  committee  was  without 
the  services  of  a  physical  director,  and  a  record  of  the  attendance 
at  the  grounds  during  the  summer  was  not  kept.  From  the  first 
of  October  the  records  show  as  follows : 

OCTOBER. 

Classes  held 82 

Students  in  attendance 1,320 

Average  attendance... 16 

NOVEMBER. 

Classes  held 72 

Students  in  attendance 1,417 

Average  attendance 19 

DECEMBER. 

Classes  held 71 

Students  in  attendance.. 1,347 

Average  attendance 17 

"The  needs  of  the  gymnasium  have  already  outgrown  its 
capacity. " 

The  Publication  Committee  reports  the  following  receipts  and 
expenditures  for  the  year  1895 — on  account  of  the  News  : 

RECEIPTS. 

From  subscriptions $863.75 

From  advertising 1,075.41 

From  sale  of  extra  copies 100.05 

From  Treasurer 697.78 

$2,736.99 

EXPENDITURES. 

Commission  on  advertisements  and  sub- 
scriptions     $256.05 

Postage,  mailing,  etc 146.36 

Engraving  and  printing.. 2,221.01 

Balance  cash  on  hand 113.57 

$2,736.99 
104 


During  the  year  150,000  pages  of  matter  pertaining  to  the  De- 
partment, 233,000  to  historical  and  biographical  sketches,  294,000 
to  selections  on  moral  and  railroad  subjects,  and  121  portraits  of 
railroad  officials  have  been  distributed  through  the  mediumship  of 
the  News.     The  subscription  list  is  about  2000. 

The  Committee  on  vSick  Visitation  made  403  visits  during  the 
year,  bearing  fruits,  flowers,  and  the  story  of  Christ's  love  to  rail- 
road men  who  were  sick. 

The  Membership  Committee  says: 

"In  looking  over  the  work  of  the  Membership  Committee  for 
the  year  1895,  we  must  agree  that  we  are  in  a  far  better  condition 
than  we  were  a  year  ago.  While  our  report  at  the  end  of  the  year 
did  not  give  the  same  number  of  members  as  were  given  the  year 
previous,  it  will  be  remembered  that  at  the  opening  of  1895  the  mem- 
bership roll  was  inflated  by  over  400  names  at  $1  each,  which  were 
purely  contributory,  and  had  to  be  overcome  with  permanent  mem- 
bership. This  has  been  done,  showing  now  a  total  of  1800  members. 
Encouraging  features  are  the  large  number  renewing  without  solici- 
tation, and  direct  application  at  the  room  for  membership.  This 
we  consider  one  of  the  best  signs  of  the  prosperity  of  the  institution. 
Instances  have  come  under  our  attention  among  the  trainmen  and 
those  outside  of  the  clerical  force,  where  most  wonderful  changes 
have  been  wrought  in  the  lives  of  our  men.  From  the  recommen- 
dation of  our  Board  of  Management  establishing  one  fee  for  member- 
ship, we  think  our  hopes  for  a  large  increase  in  the  future  membership 
are  very  good;  at  the  rate  applications  are  now  coming  in  our  in- 
crease promises  to  exceed  our  calculations  and  expectations. " 

The  House  Committee  reports  a  few  of  the  members  of  the 
committee  as  being  constantly  on  duty  during  the  past  year.  It 
has  followed  out  the  policy  of  avoiding  expenditure  of  moneys  except 
for  absolute  necessities  requisite  to  the  maintenance  of  the  Depart- 
ment, and  says  that  the  general  decorum  has  improved,  and  that 
the  rules  of  the  house,  with  few  exceptions,  have  been  observed. 

The  Boarding-House  Committee  reports  a  list  of  57  boarding- 
houses  under  the  direction  of  the  Department,  28  more  than  in  1894, 
with  a  constantly  increasing  number  of  inquiries  for  such  places. 
The  committee  visits  and  reports  upon  the  general  character  and 
condition  of  homes  from  which  applications  for  boarders  or  lodgers 
are  received  before  recommending  them. 

The  Committee  of  Conductors  has  15  men  actively  engaged  in 
the  work  of  seating  the  people  attending  the  Sabbath  afternoon  ser- 

105 


vices  in  the  auditorium.  They  seated  and  cared  for  30,963  during 
the  year.  The  Sabbath  average  in  the  winter  months  reached  832, 
or  nearly  200  more  than  the  seating  capacity  of  the  hall.  On  many 
occasions  the  crowd  was  so  great  that  many  people  had  to  go  away, 
being  unable  to  obtain  admittance  for  want  of  room. 

The  Decoration  Committee  procured  flags  and  bunting,  and  on 
all  proper  occasions  had  the  building  and  rooms  decorated. 

The  Finance  Committee  raised  during  the  year  from  all  sources 
a  revenue  of  $17,788.48. 

The  Religious  Work  Committee  held  under  its  auspices  52  Sab- 
bath afternoon  meetings,  the  aggregate  attendance  being  30,963; 
the  average  attendance,  as  shown  in  the  report  of  the  Conductors' 
Committee,  exceeding  in  the  winter  months  the  capacity  of  the  hall. 
There  were  also  held  38  cottage  meetings,  with  a  total  attendance  of 
840,  or  an  average  of  23  at  each  meeting.  These  meetings  were 
held  in  the  homes  of  our  railroad  men,  and  principally  with  non-pro- 
fessing ones,  but  the  result  has  been  the  erection  of  altars  to  the  wor- 
ship of  the  IvOrd  where  none  had  been  before.  The  committee  bears 
testimony  to  the  facts  that  many  railroad  men  and  their  families 
have  been  lead  to  adopt  a  Christian  life  by  the  influences  emanating 
from  the  Association;  that  the  practical  results  speak  for  themselves, 
and  are  shown  in  a  greater  personal  dignity  and  a  higher  view  of 
manly  duties  among  the  members,  in  consequence  of  which  the  rail- 
road company  has  an  improved  service,  and  homes  and  communi- 
ties better  fathers,  sons  and  citizens. 

In  concluding  its  report  it  thanks  the  pastors  and  all  who  aided 
in  performing  the  religious  work  of  the  Department,  and  specially 
expresses  to  Rev.  Charles  R.  Erdman  the  deep  feeling  of  gratitude 
entertained  for  him  by  all  who  have  listened  with  much  profit  to 
the  addresses  he  made  throughout  the  year.  The  effort  and  sacri- 
fices he  made  are  fully  appreciated,  and  the  committee  rejoices  with 
him  in  the  advancement  thus  far  made  toward  accomplishing  the 
full  aims  and  purposes  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association. 

The  Executive  Committee  reported:  "At  the  close  of  the  year 
1895  your  Executive  Committee,  in  submitting  this  report,  would 
respectfully  tender  its  congratulations  to  the  Board  of  Manage- 
ment on  account  of  the  success  which  has  attended  the  combined 
and  individual  efforts  of  the  committeemen  and  members  and 
friends  of  the  Department  along  all  the  lines  of  work  in  which  it 
has  been  engaged. 

"The  proverb  'In  union  there  is  strength'  has  been  practically 

io6 


>- 
< 


X 
< 


o 


demonstrated  by  the  result  of  the  faithful,  harmonious  and  perse- 
vering efforts  of  the  committees  whose  chairmen  tonight  have  the 
pleasure,  through  their  annual  reports,  of  rendering  an  account  of 
their  stewardship. 

"The  time  and  labor  represented  by  the  results  of  your  various 
committees  cannot  be  realized  or  approximated  by  those  who  have 
not  had  a  hand  in  the  work,  and,  although  they  may  not  be  recog- 
nized and  seen  of  men  here,  we  have  the  satisfaction  of  believing 
that  they  will  be  disclosed  in  the  future,  when  even  the  giving  of  a 
cup  of  cold  water  to  a  disciple  of  the  Master  shall  receive  its  reward. 
The  work  accomplished  by  your  several  committees  in  the  aggre- 
gate, as  stated  in  their  annual  reports,  emphasizes  more  strongly 
than  is  otherwise  possible  the  benefits  accruing  from  association  and 
co-operation  in  the  prosecution  of  any  work  in  which  we  may  engage 
and  to  which  is  largely  due  the  success  of  the  Department. 

"With  the  work  of  the  Department  divided  among  twenty-four 
committees  embracing  a  total  of  383  committeemen,  representing 
every  department  of  the  service,  about  one-fourth  of  the  present 
membership  is  actively  engaged  in  the  work  of  the  Department. 

"The  committee  has  held  10  meetings  with  an  average  attend- 
ance of  9  members.  During  the  past  year  it  has  received,  consid- 
ered and  taken  the  necessary  action  upon  130  reports  from  the  vari- 
ous committees. 

"All  questions  referred  to  it  by  the  Committee  of  Management 
during  the  year  have  been  disposed  of. " 

The  Ladies'  Auxiliary  Committee  numbered  142  members  at 
the  close  of  the  year,  an  increase  of  25.  It  held  19  regular  meetings, 
at  which  there  was  an  average  attendance  of  7;  it  made  through  its 
various  sub-committees  124  visits  to  the  sick;  made  and  sent  out 
20  bouquets,  designs  and  wreaths,  wrote  8  letters  of  condolence 
to  stricken  families,  gave  1  entertainment  for  admission  to  which 
a  fee  was  charged  to  an  audience  of  500;  provided  and  gave  8  com- 
mittee teas  to  510  committeemen;  held  a  birthday  party  which  was 
attended  by  1000  people,  realizing  therefrom  $300,  and  held  a  New 
Year's  reception  January  1,  1895,  when  they  entertained  1200  persons. 

The  committee  had  charge  of   the  monthly  receptions  during 
the  season  and  entertained  the  following  number  of  people : 
550  at  the  Fall  reception. 
300  at  the  Hallowe  'en  party. 
400  at  the  Thanksgiving  party. 
650  at  the  Christmas-tree  party. 

107 


In  all  there  were  16  entertainments  and  teas  provided,  furnish- 
ing entertainment  for  5610  people.  The  receipts  and  expenditures 
were  as  follows : 

Receipts $518.99 

Expenditures... 163.94 

Balance,  January  1,  1896. $355.05 

The  above  reports,  briefly  summarized,  show  that 
6,420  persons  attended  entertainments. 
5,423  persons  attended  lectures. 
2,251  persons  attended  education  classes. 
30,963  persons  attended  Sabbath  services. 
840  persons  attended  cottage  meetings. 
4,600  persons  attended  receptions. 
11,339  persons  obtained  books  from  library. 
7,500  persons  used  athletic  privileges. 

The  General  Secretary  then  concluded  his  address  by  saying : 

"A  total  of  69,336  persons  enjoyed  some  particular  phase  of 
the  work,  exclusive  of  daily  attendance,  which  reached  75,000, 
making  a  total  attendance  of  144,336,  or  a  daily  average  of  upwards 
of  400. 

"Looking  at  the  past,  we  see  an  unbroken  path  of  God's  bless- 
ings, and  as  an  Association  we  may  surely  say,  'Goodness  and  mercy 
have  followed  us  all  the  days  of  our  lives';  yet  the  future  holds  no 
less  of  bounties  to  us  or  blessings  to  others  if  we  shall  be  loyal  to  them. 
Let  us,  then,  enter  upon  the  new  year's  work  hand  in  hand,  you  that 
are  served  and  we  that  serve,  and  let  us  work  together  for  the  advance- 
ment of  Christ's  kingdom  in  the  hearts  of  our  fellow  railroad  men. 
Shall  we  not  pray  that  when  another  year  shall  have  drawn  to  its 
close  we  may  look  back  on  one  richer  in  bounties,  spirit  and  unity, 
and  more  fruitful  from  our  labor  than  the  one  these  anniversary 
exercises  celebrate  ?" 


io8 


In  the  unavoidable  absence  of  Mr.  John  B.  Stauffer,  Treasurer, 
Captain  Charles  G.  Cadwallader  read  the  financial  report  for  the  year 
as  follows: 

RECEIPTS. 

To  balance  December  31,  1894 $195.74 

Received  from  dues 4,262.95 

"           "     Sunday  collections 460.67 

"           "      contributions  of  cash  and  material  7,396.75 

"      loans 1,700.00 

"           "      interest  on  deposits 61.14 

«           "     P.  R.  R.  News 1,957.42 

"           "      lectures 70.91 

"           "      entertainments _ 612.34 

«           "      library.- 408.55 

"           "     educational  class  fees 92.00 

"           "      rent  of  hall  and  barber-shop 555.00 

"           "          "    "  athletic  grounds 300.00 

"     athletic 277.14 

"           "      other  sources 95.05 

Total. $18,445.66 


EXPENDITURES. 

Paid  for  athletics _ $609.35 

"      lectures 288.00 

"      entertainments 1,177.00 

"      educational  work 609.53 

"      religious  work 524.00 

"      printing  and  office  supplies 846.99 

"      salaries 4,973.36 

"      P.  R.  R.  News 2,655.17 

"      coal 404.31 

"      taxes 240.50 

"      gas  and  electric 1,264.85 

"      water-rent_ 30.01 

"       newspapers  and  periodicals 118.45 

"      interest  on  mortgage 975.00 

"      library.. 408.55 

"       association  extension  work 70.00 

"      outings  for  junior  members 15.76 

"       sick  visitation 4.00 

"      on  account  of  loans 700.00 

"      general    and    incidental    expenses    and 

postage 524.02 

"      furnishings,   repairs  and  improvements  1,349.63 

Total $17,788.48 

109 


RECAPlTUIvATlON. 

Receipts $18,445.66 

Expenditures. 17,788.48 

Balance  cash  on  hand $657.18 

CASH   ACCOUNT. 

Balance  on  hand  January  1,  1896 $657.18 

Cash  in  hands  of  committees 699.67 

$1,356.85 
Less  amount  of  loan  now  due 1,000.00 

Balance $356.85 

Mr.  William  J.  Latta,  the  Chairman,  followed  in  a  few  words 
feelingly  expressed.  He  congratulated  the  Department  upon  the 
progress  it  had  made  during  the  past  year,  and  on  behalf  of  the  offi- 
cers of  the  Company,  the  audience  and  himself,  thanked  the  383 
committeemen  who  had  labored  to  bring  about  the  results.  He 
spoke  briefly  upon  the  good  effects  of  the  work  the  Department  has 
had  upon  the  character  and  bearing  of  the  men,  upon  their  work, 
the  community  and  the  road,  and  urged  the  Department  to  put 
forth  greater  effort  for  the  ensuing  year.  The  lyadies'  Auxiliary 
came  in  for  a  large  measure  of  praise  for  the  successful  efforts  in 
behalf  of  a  better  life  for  railroad  men.  Dwelling  upon  the  endow- 
ment Fund,  which  he  said  was  near  and  dear  to  his  heart,  he  ear- 
nestly impressed  upon  his  hearers  the  value  to  this  Department  of 
swelling  the  fund  to  large  proportions  so  that  revenues  for  sustain- 
ing the  Department  would  not  be  left  to  uncertain  sources,  and 
informed  them  that  Mr.  R.  W.  Smith,  the  Treasurer  of  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad  Company,  would  receive  as  trustee  sums  in  large  or 
small  amounts  to  add  to  the  fund.  The  News  was  not  forgotten, 
and  was  spoken  of  as  a  highly  interesting  and  instructive  periodical, 
to  which  every  member  should  subscribe,  because  from  it  knowl- 
edge and  information  could  be  gathered  that  cannot  be  obtained 
elsewhere.  He  then  closed  by  calling  attention  to  the  increasing 
interest  and  influence  of  the  Sunday  afternoon  meetings,  speaking 
of  the  great  Christian  work  they  were  doing,  to  which  the  attendance 
last  year  of  over  30,000  people  attested,  and  introduced  the  Rev. 
Charles  R.  Hrdman. 

As  Mr.  Brdman  arose  to  his  feet,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  Chair- 
man and  in  recognition  of  the  former's  loving  and  valuable  services 

no 


in  the  past,  the  large  audience  arose  and  en  masse,  with  clapping 
hands,  wished  him  a  "Happy  New  Year. " 

Mr.  Erdman,  in  returning  his  thanks  for  the  warmth  of  his 
reception,  took  occasion  to  congratulate  the  Department  upon  its 
ninth  anniversary,  and  spoke  of  the  fact  that  notwithstanding  it 
was  young  in  years  the  Department  was  large  in  size,  being  the 
largest  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation in  the  world.  He  extended  his  congratulations  because 
of  the  harmonious  and  successful  work  of  the  committees,  and  said : 
"You  can  be  sure  of  the  harmony,  because  in  none  of  the  committee 
reports  is  anything  derogatory  said  of  any  other  committee,  and  not 
one  of  these  committees  places  emphasis  upon  the  importance  of  its 
own  work. "  He  would  be  apprehensive  of  the  success  of  this  work 
were  these  not  facts.  He  dwelt  largely  upon  the  number  and  size 
of  the  committees  moving  smoothly  in  every  branch  of  the  work — 
the  religious,  financial,  educational,  social,  athletic  and  others — 
making  the  work  of  the  Department  "the  very  brightest  of  any 
Association  in  the  land,  and  covering  more  ground  than  any  other. " 
He  drew  a  parallel  between  the  working  of  the  twenty-four  commit- 
tees, whose  achievements  were  all  directed  to  one  end,  and  the  net- 
work of  tracks  on  the  elevated  road  leading  into  Broad  Street  Station. 
He  said  he  thought  that  all  these  committeemen  were  striving 
together  in  the  different  branches  for  "just  one  thing — to  make  a 
way  by  which  men  will  be  brought  to  the  Lord  Jesus. "  And  that 
was  the  development  of  Christian  character  which  is  witnessed  in 
the  successful  year's  work  of  this  Association.  The  harmony  and 
advancement  was  due  to  the  fact  that  the  institution  knew  how  to 
pronounce  its  name,  that  it  was  "Christian  Association,"  and  the 
success  from  first  to  last  because  the  Association  was  Christian. 
Reading-rooms,  libraries,  clubs,  boarding-houses  established  along 
the  lines  of  railroad  for  the  purpose  of  comradeship  and  moral  train- 
ing, although  starting  out  with  seeming  prosperity,  all  had  ultimately 
marked  over  their  doors  the  word  "failure."  This  failure,  Mr.  Erd- 
man said,  was  because  they  did  not  know  Christ,  and  then  called 
attention  to  Mr.  Robert  Pitcairn  in  his  many  efforts  to  benefit  the 
railroad  men  turning  to  the  undenominational  work  on  the  lines  of 
the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  and  establishing  a  railroad 
department  on  those  lines  which  from  the  beginning  has  been  a 
success,  because  it  did  know  Christ.  "Nine  years  ago,"  he  continued, 
"you  established  your  Department,  and  as  its  history  is  read  we 
see  an  association  on  purely  Christian  lines  which  has  come  to  the 


HI 


front  emphasizing  the  one  idea  of  Christ  for  the  development  of 
character,  and  placing  its  dependence  upon  the  Holy  Spirit  for  gui- 
dance. "  The  effect  of  the  work  upon  home  and  family  was  feelingly 
spoken  of,  and  the  good  work  of  the  women  who  have  toiled  so 
faithfully  recognized.  Mr.  Erdman,  in  concluding  his  address, 
which  was  listened  to  throughout  with  marked  attention,  made  an 
appeal  to  those  railroad  men  who  have  not  yet  enrolled  themselves 
in  the  membership  of  the  Association,  saying:  "Every  man  should 
join  this  work  and  be  a  member  of  this  Association.  Rally  around 
the  same  standard  of  the  Church  of  God.  Come  right  out  and  say, 
'  I  am  come  to  be  known  as  a  follower  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. ' 
He  has  a  work  for  each  one  of  you — to  work  for  your  fellow-men — 
to  work  for  God,  and  I  ask  him  to  give  you  many  happy  returns  of 
the  golden  day  that  is  come  with  congratulations  and  full  of  joy. " 
The  audience,  standing,  then  sang  the  national  hymn,  "My 
Country,  'tis  of  Thee,"  and  were  dismissed  with  the  benediction, 
pronounced  by  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Walker,  D.  D. 


1896. 

The  most  notable  of  the  Department's  achievements  for  the 
year  1896  was  the  planning  for  and  carrying  to  success  the  enlarge- 
ment of  the  building  to  meet  pressing  wants.  From  the  start  in 
the  new  home  the  work  of  the  Department  proceeded  with  aston- 
ishing rapidity,  interest  increased  among  the  men,  members  in  ever- 
growing numbers  sought  admission,  until  but  a  short  time  after  the 
building  was  opened  the  astonishing  success  and  unparalleled  growth 
of  the  Department  rendered  the  enlargement  of  the  quarters  neces- 
sary. By  March,  1896,  the  expected  had  happened.  The  building 
over  whose  proportions  doubts  arose  after  the  first  opening  day 
proved  to  be  too  small  to  fully  meet  the  requirements  for  which  it 
was  erected.  Crowds  of  people  had  to  be  turned  away  from  the 
Sunday  meetings  and  the  entertainments,  the  privileges  of  the  class- 
rooms, baths  and  gymnasium  denied  to  members  seeking  them, 
while  the  library  was  overcrowded,  the  game-rooms  contracted, 
and  the  bowling  alley  unable  to  supply  the  demand  for  their  use. 
This  growth  in  the  short  space  of  two  years  from  a  comparatively 
small  association  into  the  largest  Railroad  Department  in  the  world 
was  not  from  the  cultivation  of  one  person  or  influence,  but  was 
reached  by  the  steady,  energetic,  unselfish  work  of  the  institution 
as  a  whole  under  the  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     Before  April  1, 

112 


1896,  plans  and  estimates  were  prepared  for  additions  and  alterations 
to  the  building  to  meet  the  requirements  and  measures  taken  to  or- 
ganize committees  for  raising  funds  necessary  to  meet  the  expenses. 

On  Thursday,  April  16,  a  large  and  enthusiastic  meeting  of  the 
members  of  the  Department  was  held  in  the  auditorium  for  the 
purpose  of  considering  the  plans  for  the  extension  of  the  building. 
Mr.  William  J.  Latta  presided,  and  after  prayer  by  the  Rev.  Charles 
R.  Erdnian,  he  introduced  Mr.  Joseph  T.  Richards,  Engineer  Main- 
tenance of  Way.  Mr.  Richards,  after  giving  a  brief  review  of  the 
Department  up  to  the  opening  of  the  building,  said : 

"Since  then,  this  P.  R.  R.  Branch  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  has  grown 
and  prospered  so  rapidly  that  today,  the  16th  of  April,  1896,  our 
building,  costing  two-thirds  as  much  as  William  Penn  paid  for  the 
whole  State  of  Pennsylvania,  is  only  about  half  large  enough  to  ac- 
commodate its  members.  Hence  we  are  here,  alive  and  full  of  in- 
tentions of  building  an  addition,  to  about  double  its  present  capacity, 
which  in  all  will  cost  as  much,  if  not  more,  than  the  $80,000  originally 
paid  by  William  Penn  for  the  whole  State  of  Pennsylvania. " 

Mr.  Richards  then  proceeded  to  show,  on  the  canvas  stretched 
in  front  of  the  stage,  from  a  lantern-slide  views  of  the  first  building 
at  3607  Haverford  Street,  used  1886-1894,  the  then  building,  the  pro- 
posed enlarged  building,  and  the  plans  of  the  basement  and  first 
and  second  floors  as  reconstructed. 

Mr.  Walter  C.  Douglas,  General  Secretary  of  the  Philadelphia 
Y.  M.  C.  A.,  made  a  short  address,  in  which  he  expressed  the  opinion 
that  it  would  not  be  diflFicult  to  raise  the  money  needed.  He  re- 
ferred to  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad's  then  recent  jubilee,  and  said 
that  the  new  building  would  be  spoken  of  as  having  been  reared 
and  dedicated  in  the  jubilee  year.  Mr.  Douglas  thought  the  Phila- 
delphia way  of  erecting  new  buildings  was  far  more  preferable  to 
the  New  York  way,  where  an  individual  furnished  the  money,  or  the 
St.  Louis  way,  where  fourteen  railroads  did  the  same  thing.  Here 
the  Company  subscribes  part  and  the  railroad  men  will  go  down  in 
their  pockets  for  the  balance.  In  that  way  the  men  will  feel  that 
they  own  the  building  as  well  as  the  Company  does,  and  will  take 
a  deeper  interest  in  the  work  of  the  Association. 

Mr.  Latta  then  made  a  few  well-chosen  remarks  explanatory 
of  the  necessity  for  enlargement,  and  the  methods  adopted  by  the 
Finance  Committee  for  raising  the  necessary  funds. 

He  emphasized  his  wish  that  members  should  only  subscribe 
what   they  felt  they  could  afford.     He   then  announced   that   the 

"3 


Board  of  Directors  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  had  been 
glad  to  subscribe  $10,000,  and  that  President  Roberts  had  shown 
his  interest  and  sympathy  by  subscribing  $500. 

After  a  few  words  from  William  B.  Wilson,  First  Vice-Chairman 
of  the  Department,  subscriptions  were  received  from  the  audience 
in  amounts  varying  from  $5  to  $50,  as  fast  as  they  could  be  taken 
down.  At  the  close  of  the  meeting  there  was  subscribed  $12,890, 
including  the  Company's  subscription. 

From  this  time  on  the  canvass  for  obtaining  funds  to  carry  on 
the  work  was  so  vigorously  pressed  that  on  the  1st  of  May  more  than 
one-half  of  the  estimated  cost  had  either  been  collected  or  guaran- 
teed. By  the  1st  of  July  the  subscriptions  amounted  to  $25,000, 
whereupon  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Management  was  called 
for  and  met  on  Monday  evening,  July  13,  and  was  largely  attended. 
Mr.  Latta  presided,  and  stated  the  purpose  to  be  action  regarding 
when  work  on  the  building  should  be  commenced.  He  announced 
the  amount  of  money  already  subscribed  for  the  purpose,  and  the 
lowest  bids  for  the  entire  work  aggregated  in  round  figures  $40,000. 
After  a  general  exchange  of  opinion  as  to  the  advisability  of  pro- 
ceeding with  the  work  at  that  time,  in  view  of  the  fact  that  but  two- 
thirds  of  the  required  amount  had  been  subscribed,  it  was  unani- 
mously decided  to  let  the  contract,  have  the  work  pushed  to  com- 
pletion and  extra  effort  made  to  raise  the  additional  amount  needed. 
At  that  juncture  the  Chairman  created  considerable  enthusiasm  by 
announcing  he  would  be  responsible  for  $5000  additional,  thus  raising 
the  contributions  to  $30,000.  The  lowest  bidders  on  the  building  were 
F.  S.  Tourison  &  Son,  and  the  contract  was  let  to  them.  Work  began  at 
once,  and  was  continued  throughout  the  fall  and  early  winter  to  com- 
pletion, delayed  somewhat  by  lateness  in  the  receipt  of  material 

The  newly  enlarged  gymnasium  was  opened  Saturday  evening, 
December  19,  1896,  by  a  special  athletic  entertainment  under  the 
direction  of  Professor  Sims.  The  gymnasium  teams  of  the  Central 
and  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Y.  M.  C.  A.  assisted  in  the  programme, 
and  at  the  close  of  the  entertainment.  Chapman  and  Horan,  of  the 
Washington  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  gave  a  tumbling  exhibition.  There  was 
a  large  crowd  present. 

The  opening  of  the  new  auditorium  took  place  on  the  evening 
of  Tuesday,  December  22,  1896,  and  a  large  audience  was  present 
notwithstanding  the  snow-storm  and  the  fact  that  most  people  were 
busy  preparing  for  Christmas.  Large  as  was  the  seating  capacity 
of  the  place  it  was  not  sufficient  for  the  crowd  in  attendance  at  the 

114 


Sunday  afternoon  services  on  December  27,  when  1547  persons 
were  present. 

By  January  1,  1897,  what  was  only  contemplated  in  the  pre- 
ceding month  of  March  was  practically  an  accomplished  fact. 

The  formal  opening  of  the  enlarged  building  occurred  on  the 
evening  of  Thursday,  January  14.  There  was  an  informal  reception 
from  seven  to  eight  o'clock,  which  gave  the  members  and  guests 
an  opportunity  to  inspect  the  changes  and  additions.  At  eight 
o'clock  services  were  held  in  the  beautiful  new  auditorium,  with  an 
attendance  of  800.  The  large  stage,  beautifully  lighted  by  incan- 
descent lights  and  ornamented  with  handsome  palms,  was  occupied 
by  the  Choral  Society  of  100  voices,  by  many  men  prominent  in  the 
religious  and  business  circles  of  Philadelphia,  and  delegates  from 
other  Departments  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  The  exercises  opened  by  the 
Choral  Society  singing  Gounod's  "Unfold,  Ye  Portals,"  after  which 
prayer  was  offered  by  the  Rev.  W.  H.  McCaughey,  D.  D.,  pastor  of 
West  Hope  Presbyterian  Church.  Chairman  Latta  stated  that 
President  George  B.  Roberts,  who  had  laid  the  corner-stone  of  the 
original  building,  was  too  ill  to  be  present,  and  he  then  read  letters 
from  ex-Governor  James  A.  Beaver  and  Vice-President  Frank  Thom- 
son, regretting  their  inability  to  be  present.  Confining  his  remarks 
almost  entirely  to  the  statistics  showing  the  work  of  the  Depart- 
ment for  the  preceding  year,  Mr.  Latta  said  there  had  been  53  Sunday 
afternoon  meetings  held,  at  which  the  attendance  was  24,123;  34 
cottage  meetings  attended  by  781,  and  24  sessions  of  Bible  classes 
attended  by  555.  The  Committee  on  Visitation  of  Sick  made  275 
visits;  there  was  an  average  attendance  of  225  at  16  lectures  and 
practical  talks;  the  educational  classes  had  143  students  enrolled, 
and  the  total  attendance  at  191  class  sessions  was  2225;  there  were 
1135  volumes  added  to  the  library  during  the  year,  making  a  total 
of  5034  books  on  hand  December  31.  During  the  year  there  were 
14,647  books  given  out,  an  increase  of  3248  over  the  previous  year- 
The  Publication  Committee,  through  the  mediumship  of  the  News, 
circulated  1,947,000  pages  of  reading  matter  to  over  2000  subscribers; 
the  attendance  at  13  entertainments  was  7850,  and  they  cost  $1000 
more  than  was  received;  the  total  membership  is  1773,  of  which  462 
are  in  the  train  service;  the  amount  paid  for  salaries  was  $5396.71  and 
the  total  sum  expended  in  conducting  the  institution  during  the  year 
$18,159.12.  In  conclusion  Mr.  Latta  spoke  of  the  new  buildings, 
and  said  their  entire  cost  was  $42,846.66,  of  which  amount  $32,353 
had  been  paid,  leaving  a  debt  of  about  $10,000. 

115 


Mr.  Latta  then  introduced  Mr.  John  H.  Converse,  who,  after  re- 
ferring to  the  fact  that  he  once  had  the  honor  of  being  an  employe 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  outlined  the  growth  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association  and  concluded  by  saying: 

"To  say  that  corporations  have  no  souls  may  be  technically 
true,  but  they  certainly  recognize  the  souls  in  their  employes,  and 
do  all  in  their  power  to  fit  them  for  true  and  intelligent  service.  This 
institution  is  an  example  of  this.  There  are  a  great  many  young 
men  outside  the  church  who  belong  inside,  and  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association  supplies  their  needs.  It  develops  character 
and  mental  power.  It  teaches  that  it  is  manly  to  be  a  Christian. 
Railroad  men  have  it  in  their  power  to  influence  many  for  good. 
This  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  should  be  aggressive  and 
its  light  should  shine  beyond  its  own  circle." 

Mr.  Latta  introduced  as  the  next  speaker  Deloss  Everett,  Assist- 
ant Chief  Engineer  of  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engineers, 
who  for  thirty  years  had  been  in  the  employ  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  Company.  Mr.  Everett  said  he  simply  desired  to  lay  his 
testimony  "on  the  altar  of  gratitude"  by  reciting  his  earlier  con- 
nection with  the  Company  and  the  many  kindnesses  he  had  received 
during  that  time,  showing  that  while  a  "corporation  may  not  have 
a  soul,"  those  who  governed  it  had.  The  Choral  Society  then  ren- 
dered in  splendid  style  a  selection  entitled  "My  God,  my  God,  why 
hast  Thou  forsaken  me,"  after  which  Mr.  Latta  introduced  Rev. 
Charles  R.  Erdman,  who,  opening  his  remarks,  said: 

"This  is  a  memorable  night  in  the  history  of  the  greatest  rail- 
road on  earth;  a  good  night  for  this  city;  a  glad  night  for  the  church 
of  Christ.  And  when  we  have  mentioned  the  church,  the  city  of 
Philadelphia  and  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  what  else  remains 
worthy  of  remark!" 

Then  in  his  happy,  but  serious,  vein,  showed  wherein  the  tri- 
umvirate he  had  mentioned  were  glad.  During  the  course  of  his 
remarks  he  spoke  of  the  forces  at  work  in  producing  the  material 
result  before  him,  saying: 

"Mr.  Latta  has  shown  by  his  report  the  absolute  need  of  the 
enlarged  building  in  the  completion  of  which  you  rejoice  tonight. 
Nor  is  it  too  much  to  say  that  in  a  very  true  sense  this  building  stands 
as  a  monument  of  the  courage,  the  faith,  the  enterprise,  the  persis- 
tence and  the  'persecution'  of  Mr.  William  J.  Latta.  Yet  it  is  also 
true  that  in  his  interest  and  efforts  Mr.  Latta  is  the  representative 
of  the  great  corporation  he  serves,  the  interest  and  practical  aid 

ii6 


of  which  has  made  this  enlarged  building  possible.  Nay,  further, 
let  me  add  that  Mr.  Latta  represents  tonight  the  employes  of  this 
corporation,  who,  of  every  rank,  from  track-walker  to  President, 
have  contributed  with  generosity  and  self-sacrifice  to  the  success 
of  this  work.  This  building  stands  tonight  as  a  monument  of  what 
railroad  men  have  done  for  railroad  men." 

At  the  close  of  Mr.  Erdman's  address  Chairman  Latta  said  there 
was  present  one  whom  everyone  liked  and  all  were  anxious  to  hear 
a  word  from,  and  he  would,  therefore,  ask  Mr.  Walter  C.  Douglas 
to  say  just  one  word;  whereupon  Mr.  Douglas  arose,  and  in  his 
splendid  manner  said  "Good, "  and  sat  down  again  amid  much  laugh- 
ter and  applause.  Short  addresses  were  then  made  by  Mr.  William 
B.  Wilson,  Mr.  S.  M.  Bard,  State  Secretary,  and  Mr.  J.  W.  Hicks, 
International  Secretary  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  after  which  the  exercises 
were  closed  with  the  doxology  and  benediction. 

Many  changes  were  made  in  the  original  building,  and  the  new 
structure,  which  immediately  joins  it  on  the  east  end,  includes  an 
auditorium,  amphitheatrical  in  form,  75  by  92  feet,  capable  of  seat- 
ing 1200  people,  and  several  smaller  rooms.  The  building  is  of 
Port  Deposit  granite,  and  is  trimmed  with  reddish  brownstone. 
The  roof  is  slated  and  finished  with  a  lantern  top.  The  entire 
building  is  heated  by  steam  and  handsomely  illuminated  by  elec- 
tric lights. 

In  the  eight  months  during  which  the  extension  of  the  building 
was  in  contemplation,  progress  of  construction  and  completed,  the 
sum  of  $32,714.53  was  raised  towards  paying  the  cost,  the  receipts 
being  from  the  following  sources : 

Contributions  of  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Com- 
pany  $10,000.00 

Loan  from  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company....         5,000.00 

Contributions  from  officers  of  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  Company  and  friends  of  the  Asso- 
ciation.....  _ _ 6,500.00 

Contributions    from    and    collections    by    the 

members 10,649.69 

Contribution  from  Ladies'  Auxiliary.  500.00 

Interest  on  deposits 64.84 


$32,714.53 


The  total  cost  of  the  extension  was  $42,846.66. 

117 


Whilst  the  work  of  gathering  this  large  sum  of  money  was  in 
progress  the  work  of  the  Department  in  all  its  different  directions, 
spiritual,  educational,  physical  and  social,  continued  with  increased 
enthusiasm  and  zeal;  and  its  influence  expanding,  a  decided  moral 
improvement  and  professional  advancement  marked  all  branches 
of  the  railroad  service. 

On  the  first  of  January,  1896,  Mr.  Warner  R.  Thomas,  the  Fi- 
nancial Secretary,  having  accepted  employment  in  the  direct  service 
of  the  railroad  company,  resigned  the  position.  He  had  won  all 
hearts  to  him  by  "his  affable  manners,  quiet  deportment,  kindly  dis- 
position, and  by  being  ever  ready  to  advance  the  cause  in  which  he 
was  engaged  or  to  make  someone  comfortable  and  happy.  He  was 
succeeded  by  Mr.  George  C.  Bartlett,  Jr.,  who  was  destined  to  be- 
come a  very  important  factor  in  the  development  and  advancement 
of  the  Department.  Mr.  Bartlett  had  been  connected  with  the  gen- 
eral office  of  the  parent  Association,  which  he  entered  as  a  messenger- 
boy.  For  over  seven  years  he  had  been  Assistant  to  the  General 
Secretary,  there  serving  in  all  lines  of  the  work  with  capability,  ear- 
nestness and  faithfulness,  and  came  to  his  new  position  thoroughly 
equipped  for  the  work  to  be  done.  Modest,  quiet  and  unobtrusive, 
gentle  yet  firm,  Mr.  Bartlett  was  withal  incisive,  thorough  and  con- 
cise in  the  performance  of  duty,  and  invariably  did  the  right  thing 
at  the  right  time  and  in  the  right  place.  On  April  1,  1896,  when 
Mr.  Multer  resigned  as  General  Secretary,  Mr.  Bartlett  filled  the 
position  until  October  1 ;  so,  too,  on  the  resignation  of  Mr.  McCon- 
aughy  he  filled  it  from  December  1,  1897,  to  February  1,  1898,  and 
again,  on  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Towson,  from  January  1,  1907,  to 
October  1,  1907.  On  the  latter  date  he  was  elected  to  be  General 
Secretary,  and  continues  to  hold  the  position  (1910).  He  has  so  oiled 
the  machinery  of  the  Department  and  so  watched  and  directed  its 
different  parts  that  work  goes  on  with  perfect  regularity  and  entirely 
free  from  friction  in  any  direction. 

Mr.  William  N.  Multer,  after  having  filled  with  satisfaction  for 
a  period  of  six  5^ears  the  office  of  General  Secretary,  resigned  on  March 
31,  to  accept  a  similar  position  at  Washington,  D.  C.  The  vacancy 
was  not  permanently  filled  until  September  25,  when  at  a  joint  meet- 
ing of  the  Executive  Committees  of  the  parent  Association  and  the 
Department  Mr.  Samuel  J.  McConaughy  was  selected.  He  was 
inducted  into  office  on  October  1.  Mr.  McConaughy  was  a  young 
married  man  with  excellent  antecedents,  spiritually  and  intellec- 
tually, and  was  one  of  three  brothers  whose  lives  were  devoted  to 

ii8 


GEORGE  C.  BARTLETT,  JR., 
General  Secretary,  1907  to  date. 


Christian  work  in  connection  with  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation, and  in  widely  separated  parts  of  the  world  had  already  made 
their  mark  upon  religious  life.  Of  the  brothers,  James  was  associated 
with  Mr.  Moody  in  his  work,  David  was  General  Secretary  for  India, 
and  Samuel  had  but  recently  been  connected  with  the  Kensington 
Branch.  With  a  lovely  Christian  training  at  home,  supplemented 
by  a  collegiate  education,  added  to  a  sweet  disposition  of  manner 
and  a  sturdy  Christian  manliness,  he  soon  won  the  love  and  sturdy 
co-operation  of  the  members. 

Mr.  J.  Q.  A.  Herring,  Manager  of  Adams  Express,  having  re- 
moved to  Baltimore,  resigned  at  the  June  meeting  of  the  Board  of 
Management  the  Third  Vice-Chairmanship.  The  resignation  was 
reluctantly  accepted,  for  Mr.  Herring  had  been  one  of  the  most  active 
supporters  of  the  Department  and  an  earnest  worker  in  its  develop- 
ment. 

Two  vacancies  in  the  Advisory  Board  occurred  towards  the 
close  of  the  year,  caused  by  the  death  of  Hon.  John  Scott,  on  Novem- 
ber 29,  and  that  of  Mr.  Henry  D.  Welsh,  on  December  19.  The 
vacancies  were  filled  by  the  selection  of  Alexander  J.  Cassatt  and 
William  L.  Elkins. 

The  General  Secretary  summed  up  the  year's  work  as  follows : 

"The  Religious  Work  Committee  held  53  Sunday  afternoon 
meetings,  with  an  attendance  of  24,123;  the  34  cottage  prayer -meet- 
ings had  an  attendance  of  781,  and  at  24  sessions  of  the  Bible  class 
there  were  555  present.  The  first  meeting  in  the  new  auditorium, 
which  was  on  the  last  Sunday  in  the  year,  had  an  attendance  of  1547 
people. 

"Through  the  efforts  of  the  Music  Committee  a  splendid  Choral 
Society  under  the  leadership  of  Mr.  W.  L.  Nassau  was  organized  in 
November,  which  had  112  members  by  the  end  of  the  year,  and  is 
fast  taking  rank  among  the  best  musical  organizations  of  the  city. 
A  choir  of  93  voices  was  also  organized,  with  Mr.  Charles  H.  Harding 
as  leader,  and  is  rendering  great  assistance  in  leading  the  singing 
at  the  Sunday  afternoon  services.  A  Banjo  Club  has  also  been 
organized  and  developed  into  a  fine  organization.  Among  their 
engagements  was  one  at  the  Academy  of  Music,  where  they  were 
well  received.  The  musical  talent  for  the  Sunday  afternoon  ser- 
vices which  this  committee  had  been  instrumental  in  securing  has 
been  of  a  high  order  and  added  much  to  the  attractiveness  of  the 
service. 

119 


"The  Committee  of  Conductors  had  15  members  actively  at  work 
during  the  year  seating  the  people  at  the  Sunday  afternoon  ser- 
vices. When  the  old  auditorium  was  crowded  to  the  doors,  as  it 
frequently  was,  the  committee  had  a  very  hard  task  to  care  for  the 
people,  and  they  deserve  much  credit  for  their  good  work. 

"The  Committee  of  Sick  Visitation  made  275  visits  during 
the  year,  and  carried  flowers,  good  cheer  and  '  the  old,  old  story '  of 
love  and  trust  to  railroad  men  who  were  sick. 

"The  Literary  Committee  conducted  16  meetings  during  the 
year,  the  attendance  at  which  averaged  about  225.  They  consisted 
of  5  lectures,  by  some  of  the  best  lecturers  on  the  platform,  on  themes 
of  general  information ;  6  lectures  under  the  auspices  of  the  Univer- 
sity Extension  Society,  on  'The  Debt  of  the  Nineteenth  Century  to 
Egypt,'  by  Prof.  Goodyear,  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  and  2  Practical 
Talks  by  prominent  railroad  men,  on  subjects  of  special  interest  to 
railroad  men.  A  Literary  Society  was  organized  and  held  several 
sessions  for  the  discussion  of  papers  and  debates,  and  also  a  mock 
Presidential  Nominating  Convention  of  considerable  interest. 

"The  Educational  Committee  reports  a  gratifying  increase  in 
the  educational  classes  over  all  previous  years.  The  results  have 
been  good.  Young  men  have  become  proficient  in  stenography 
and  typewriting,  and  in  telegraphy,  and  have  made  considerable 
advance  in  mechanical  drawing,  bookkeeping,  penmanship  and 
arithmetic.  The  number  of  sessions  of  the  different  classes  was  191 
and  the  number  of  students  enrolled  was  143,  the  total  attendance 
at  the  classes  being  2225. 

"Through  the  splendid  efforts  of  the  Library  Committee  1135 
volumes  were  added  during  the  past  year,  making  a  total  of  5034 
books  in  the  library,  December  31,  1896.  The  number  of  books 
given  out  through  the  year  was  14,647,  an  increase  of  3248  over 
the  previous  year.  The  additional  space  and  equipment  gained 
during  the  year  makes  the  library,  more  than  ever,  a  leading  feature 
of  the  Department. 

"The  Publication  Committee,  through  the  admirable  medium- 
ship  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Men's  News,  during  the  year 
circulated  1,947,000  pages  of  reading  matter  pertaining  to  the  busi- 
ness and  work  of  the  Department,  as  well  as  historical  and  biographi- 
cal sketches  and  selections  on  moral  and  railroad  subjects.  The 
circulation  is  widespread,  the  number  of  persons  furnished  with  it 
directly  being  about  2000.  About  1200  additional  subscribers  are 
needed  to  make  the  News  self-supporting. 


I20 


SAMUEL  J.  McCONAUGHY, 
General  Secretary,  1896-1897. 


"The  Entertainment  Committee  pursued  a  new  policy  in  regard 
to  admission  to  the  entertainments  during  the  past  year,  in  admit- 
ting members  and  their  wives  free,  and  charging  them  only  ten  cents 
for  reserved  seats.  To  the  public  also  the  admission  was  made  only 
twenty-five  cents,  with  the  same  reserved-seat  charge  as  to  members. 
Thus  the  revenue  from  the  entertainments  was  not  so  great  as  the 
previous  year.  There  was  also  another  cause  for  this,  attributable 
to  the  delay  in  completing  the  new  auditorium,  which  necessitated 
giving  five  of  the  thirteen  concerts  at  Association  Hall,  Fifteenth 
and  Chestnut  Streets  (which  was  kindly  loaned  by  the  Central 
Branch),  where  both  the  attendance  and  the  revenue  were  very 
small.  Since  the  splendid  new  auditorium  has  been  in  service,  the 
attendance  has  been  very  gratifying,  averaging  over  900  at  each 
of  four  entertainments  given  there. 

"The  Athletic  Committee  was  greatly  hampered  in  its  year's 
work  by  the  g3'^mnasium  being  closed  over  half  the  season,  on  account 
of  the  enlargement  of  the  building.  During  the  early  part  of  the 
year,  however,  and  through  December,  after  the  fine  large  gymna- 
sium was  ready  to  use,  very  good  work  was  done,  the  average  attend- 
ance daily  being  estimated  at  over  seventy.  Through  the  spring 
and  summer  the  admirable  grounds  at  Fifty-second  Street,  for  the 
outdoor  work  of  the  Department,  were  transformed  into  an  Athletic 
Park,  having  a  quarter  of  a  mile  bicycle  track  (which  has  been 
pronounced  by  competent  judges  to  be  the  finest  in  the  city), 
base-ball  diamond  and  cricket  crease,  with  tennis  courts  and  facili- 
ties for  most  outdoor  sports,  and  a  stand  erected  accommodating 
1200.  The  total  attendance  of  those  exercising  at  the  grounds  was 
about  6000. 

"The  Membership  Committee  made  a  ver}''  remarkable  show- 
ing, from  the  fact  that  it  has  never  been  known  that  an  organization 
of  this  character  has  been  able  to  hold  its  membership  during  a  year 
of  a  building  canvass,  and  under  such  depressing  times  financially 
as  were  experienced  last  year.  Out  of  the  1314  Senior  expirations 
occurring  during  the  year  726  renewed  their  membership  and  772 
new  members  were  added,  making  the  total  Senior  membership, 
December  31,  1896,  1498.  The  Department  also  had  93  Junior 
members  and  182  members  of  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary,  making  total 
1773.  A  general  classification  of  the  membership  shows  462  train- 
men, 441  clerks,  35  officials  and  560  miscellaneous  (agents,  fore- 
men, warehousemen,  shopmen,  laborers,  messengers  and  sons  of 
employes) . 

121 


"The  Building  Committee  have  had  a  very  busy  year,  planning 
and  supervising  the  enlargement  and  alteration  of  the  building. 
They  have  kept  constant  oversight  of  the  building  during  its  con- 
struction, and  deserve  much  credit  for  their  efforts  in  bringing  about 
the  splendid  results  which  have  been  achieved. 

"The  Finance  Committee  made  some  canvass  for  contributions 
for  current  expenses  in  the  early  part  of  the  year,  but  devoted  most 
of  their  eflforts  toward  securing  subscriptions  for  the  building  fund. 
The  committee  was  enlarged  to  fifty-three  members,  sub-committees 
were  formed,  books  were  circulated  among  the  officials  and  employes 
of  the  Company,  and  a  great  deal  of  money  was  secured.  When  it 
was  found  that  sufficient  funds  could  not  be  obtained  in  this  way 
the  committee  appealed  to  the  public  and  secured  some  generous 
subscriptions.     Following  is  the  financial  report  for  1896: 


Building  Fund. 

receipts. 

Contribution  of  the  Pennsylvania  R.  R.  Co $10,000.00 

Loan  from  the  Pennsylvania  R.  R.  Co 5,000.00 

Contributions  from  officers  of  the  Pennsylvania 

R.  R.  Co.  and  other  friends 6,500.00 

Contributions  from  and  collections  by  mem- 
bers  - 10,649.69 

Contribution  by  Ladies'  Auxiliary 500.00 

Interest  on  deposits... 64.84 

Total $32,714.53 

Expenditures  to  date... 32,355.29 


Balance $359.24 


Cost  of  building  extension $42,846.66 

Amount  paid 32,355.29 

$10,491.37 
Less  balance  on  hand 359.24 


Balance  due $10,132.13 

122 


The  current  receipts  and   expenditures  for  the  year  were  as 
follows: 

RECEIPTS. 

Balance  on  hand  January  1,  189G $657.18 

Membership  dues - 3,499.80 

Sunday  collections 351.36 

Contributions  and  rebates 6,257.85 

Engineers'  permanent  fund 10.50 

Lectures 33.60 

Entertainments 333.85 

Library- 208.01 

Building  Committee,  returned  loan 390.93 

Educational  class,  fees  returnable 50.00 

Athletic  Committee 1,057.63 

Rental  of  Athletic  grounds 300.00 

Pennsylvania  Railroad  Men's  News 3,079.19 

Rental  of  hall  and  barber  shop 330.00 

Loans 1,813.33 

Total  receipts $18,373.23 

EXPENDITURES. 

Printing  and  stationery $345.03 

Pennsylvania  Railroad  Men's  News 3,694.19 

ReHgious  work  and  Sunday  music 454.48 

Books,  newspapers  and  periodicals  for  library....  304.58 

Educational  work. 443.60 

Entertainments 1,339.05 

Athletic  supplies  and  improvements 2,042.38 

Lectures 290.15 

Salaries.. 5,396.71 

Incidental  expenses  and  postage 160.67 

Improvements  and  expense  of  setting  dynamo  281.23 

Music 55.25 

Payment  of  loan  from  1895 1,000.00 

Taxes 240.50 

Junior  work  and  summer  outing _ 50.50 

Interest  on  mortgage 325.00 

Loaned  to  Building  Committee 350.00 

Gas  and  electricity.- 672.42 

Coal  and  coal  freight 416.58 

Furnishings,  supplies  and  general  expenses 336.80 

Total $18,199.12 

Balance  on  hand  December  31,  1896 174.11 

Total $18,373.23 

123 


1897. 

Up  to  the  first  of  January,  1897,  there  had  been  expended  on 
the  building,  exclusive  of  furnishings,  the  sum  of  $99,585.95.  Of 
that  amount  $71,585.95  had  been  subscribed  for  and  paid  in  by  the 
various  friends  of  the  movement,  in  a  period  of  three  years,  through 
the  activity,  energy  and  earnestness  of  the  members  of  the  Depart- 
ment. The  balance,  amounting  to  $28,000,  was  secured  by  a  mort- 
gage for  $23,000  and  a  note  for  $5000. 

The  Board  of  Management  was  the  same  as  in  1896,  and  the 
officers  the  same  with  the  exception  that  Mr.  Roger  Hendley  was 
chosen  Fourth  Vice-Chairman  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the 
resignation  of  J.  Q.  A.  Herring,  and  the  promotion  of  Robert  S. 
Beatty  to  Third  Vice-Chairman.  The  work  for  the  year  was  divided 
up  among  twenty-three  committees,  of  which  the  following-named 
were  chairmen: 

Athletic  Committee J.  A.  Newborn 

Boarding-House  Committee E.  T.  Peacock. 

Building  Committee Joseph  T.  Richards. 

Decorative  Cotnmittee. O.  P.  Ludwig. 

Edticational  Com,mittee B.  F.  MiiyLER. 

Endowment  Committee WiLiviAM  A.  PaTTon. 

Entertainment  Committee Chas.  C.  KinnEy. 

Executive  Committee JamES  S.  StackhousE. 

Extension  Committee A.  A.  Brehm. 

Finance  Committee _ Chas.  G.  Cadwai^i^adER. 

Grounds  Committee S.  P.  Hutchinson. 

House  Committee S.  C.  Pearson. 

Junior  Committee CharlES  R.  Smith. 

Library  Committee. William  HammERSLY. 

Literary  Committee John  M.  Doran. 

Membership  Committee Robert  S.  Beatty, 

Music  Committee R.  J.  McClain. 

Publication  Committee William  B.  Wilson. 

Purchasing  Committee GeorgE  H.  GronE. 

Reception  Committee. T.  S.  Essick. 

Religious  Work  Committee William  H.  GeorgE. 

Sick  Visiting  Committee Daniel  W.  FrEas. 

Ushers'  Committee William  T.  Adams. 

Upon  the  completion  of  the  original  building  it  was  found  that 
sufficient  room  had  not  been  provided  to  carry  out  fully  all  the 
objects  of  the  organization.  This  was  strikingly  true  of  some  of 
the  social  features,  and  therefore  barriers  had  been  taken  down  and 

124 


members  permitted  access  to  all  parts  of  the  building  in  pursuit  of 
what  each  considered  his  personal  comfort.  This,  whilst  it  encour- 
aged freedom,  led  to  some  abuses  fruitful  of  complaints  and  annoy- 
ances. With  the  enlargement  of  the  building,  which  provided  ample 
space  for  all  purposes,  the  Board  of  Management  allotted  rooms  to 
be  specially  used  for  devotions,  receiving  members  and  visitors, 
social  purposes,  athletics,  smoking,  library,  reading,  educational 
classes,  entertainments,  and  for  the  Ivadies'  Auxiliary  and  the  Junior 
Branch  of  the  Department.  These  allotments  and  limitations  were 
promotive  of  good  results.  The  membership,  being  made  up  of 
men  of  more  than  average  intelligence  and  possessed  of  desire  for 
improvement  and  doing  good,  carried  daily  more  of  the  burdens  of 
their  fellow-man  and  constantly  progressed  in  Christian  practices. 
While  the  Department  was  dedicated  to  Christian  use,  they  very 
truly  interpreted  that  that  dedication  did  not  shut  the  doors  to  the 
real  pleasures  and  enjoyments  of  the  social  life,  and,  entering  into 
all  the  activities  which  the  Department  afforded,  became  more  and 
more  imbued  with  a  broad  spirit  of  brotherhood.  The  rapidity  with 
which  the  Department  grew  and  the  enthusiasm  of  the  members 
caused  a  pessimistic  view  as  to  its  future  to  enter  the  minds  of  some 
of  its  friends.  To  counteract  the  influence  of  that  condition  the 
News  in  the  February  (1897)  issue  presented  the  following  editorial : 
"We  have  many  warm  and  earnest  friends  and  sincere  and 
active  members  of  this  Department  who,  at  times,  become  unduly 
exercised  about  the  future  of  this  work.  The  growth  has  been  so 
phenomenal,  the  interest  excited  among  railroad  men  so  intense, 
the  changed  lives  so  marked,  that  the  question  arises  to  their  minds. 
What  of  the  future?  Without  answering  that  question  by  pointing 
to  'Faith,  Hope  and  Charity'  as  the  foundation  principles  over 
which  the  fabric  has  been  reared,  or  to  'Love,  Purity  and  Immor- 
tality,' emblazoned  upon  the  banner  under  which  the  army  of  mem- 
bers marches,  we  turn  on  the  light  of  experience,  in  another  city, 
and  show  what  has  happened  to  a  similar  institution  which  started 
twenty-one  years  ago  under  less  propitious  circumstances  than  did 
this  Department,  and  in  its  existence  up  to  the  present  period,  when 
it  has  reached  a  vigorous  manhood,  has  never  been  environed  by 
the  same  favorable  conditions.  Now  read  the  evidence  as  found 
in  the  editorial  column  of  the  New  York  Railroad  Men  for  January, 
1897,  as  follows : 

"'Twenty-one  years  ago,  when  the  Railroad  Branch  of  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  was  first  formed  in  New  York,  there 

125 


was  by  no  means  the  friendly  feeling  towards  it  which  now  exists. 
Not  a  few  questioned  the  practicability  of  the  scheme  which  was 
proposed;  others  were  prejudiced  against  it  because  of  its  name, 
and  some  supposed  it  to  be  a  selfish  design  of  the  railway  manage- 
ment to  promote  corporate  prosperity.  The  years  have  brought 
their  lessons,  both  to  railroad  men  in  general  and  to  the  Railroad 
Associations.  Steadily  confidence  has  taken  the  place  of  distrust, 
and  good  feeling  has  succeeded  suspicion.  Railroad  officials  have 
exhibited  a  kindly  interest  in  their  subordinates  and  a  readiness  to 
provide  for  their  comfort,  which  has  resulted  in  a  responsive  co- 
operation on  the  part  of  the  men.  The  Association  is  now  under- 
stood by  nearly  all,  and  its  methods  are  approved.  These  methods 
have  widened  in  their  scope  since  1875.  Then  the  Association  was 
very  small  and  its  work  limited  to  the  reading-room,  entertainments 
held  at  irregular  intervals  and  one  religious  meeting  a  week.  Its 
committee  force  was  small,  and  its  headquarters  in  the  basement  of 
the  Grand  Central  Station.  It  is  most  encouraging  to  contrast  that 
time  and  those  conditions  with  the  present.  The  Railroad  Men's 
Building,  with  its  conveniences  equal  to  those  of  a  well-appointed 
club-house,  is  the  centre  of  its  activity;  a  comfortable  building  at 
New  Durham  is  its  local  headquarters;  while  it  reaches  practically 
all  of  the  men  at  Mott  Haven,  West  Seventy-second  Street  and 
Weehawken.  The  committeemen  now  number  more  than  two 
hundred,  and  the  work  has  been  extended  so  as  to  include  nearly 
every  legitimate  demand  of  its  members,  in  their  physical,  social, 
intellectual  and  spiritual  life. 

HsjH  ********** 

"'The  theoretical  scheme  of  twenty-one  years  ago  has  now 
been  worked  out,  and  a  practical  business-like  organization  is  the 
result.  Then  it  was  prophecy  and  hope ;  now  it  is  history  and  accom- 
plishment. There  are,  no  doubt,  varying  degrees  of  appreciation 
among  the  members  of  the  Association.  Some  fail  to  understand 
its  principle  of  action,  which  is  unselfish  service  for  others.  A  few 
would  consider  it  beneath  them  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  help 
from  any  source  whatever — haughty,  self-sufficient  men  they  are, 
moving  in  the  narrow  orbit  of  their  own  selfishness.  The  vast 
majority  appreciate  both  the  spirit  which  prompts  and  the  methods 
which  are  employed  by  the  Association.  They  see  that  while  it  is 
religious,  it  is  not  narrow ;  that  it  finds  a  place  within  its  ranks  for 
Christian  men  of  all  denominations;    that  the  religious  motive  fur- 

126 


nishes  an  incentive  to  action  of  a  most  practical  kind;  that  member- 
ship is  valuable,  even  if  considered  upon  a  financial  basis.  It  is 
noticeable,  too,  that  the  men  who  know  most  about  the  institution 
and  do  the  most  for  it   are  the  ones  whose  faith  in  it  is  strongest.'" 

The  Department  sustained  a  great  loss  in  the  death  of  George 
B.  Roberts,  President  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  which 
occurred  January  30,  1897.  Mr.  Roberts  had  always  taken  the  deep- 
est interest  in  the  Department,  assisting  it  in  every  way  with  influ- 
ence, advice  and  material  aid,  both  in  his  official  and  personal  char- 
acter. While  sorrow  for  his  loss  was  universal,  perhaps  in  no  direction 
did  its  feeling  take  deeper  hold  than  in  the  breasts  of  the  members 
of  the  Department.  On  the  Sunday  afternoon  succeeding  the  sad 
event  there  assembled  in  the  building  an  audience  of  1600  persons, 
almost  wholly  composed  of  Pennsylvania  Railroad  employes  and 
their  families,  to  hear  an  address  by  the  Rev.  Charles  R.  Erdman. 
In  opening  his  remarks,  he  paid  a  touching  tribute  to  the  memory 
of  Mr.  Roberts,  and  spoke  feelingly  of  his  character  and  devotedness, 
He  referred  to  him  as  the  friend  of  all  the  employes  of  the  great  rail- 
road, and  the  true  friend  of  the  institution  dedicated  to  their  use, 
which  by  his  death  had  suffered  a  great  loss.    He  continued  by  saying : 

"  I  want  to  speak  just  one  word  more  about  our  great  leader 
and  friend,  who  has  just  been  taken  away  from  us.  Mr  Roberts 
had  faith.  He  put  his  trust  in  everything  that  he  did,  and  it  was 
that  which  made  him  what  he  was. 

"And  what  is  faith?  I  do  not  think  I  can  give  a  better  definition 
of  it  than  the  little  girl  who,  upon  being  asked  what  faith  was,  replied : 
'It  is  taking  God  at  his  word. '  Is  that  not  exactly  what  it  is — be- 
lieving what  God  tells  us  without  further  doubt  or  hesitation  i* 

"Mr.  Roberts  had  this  faith.  His  great  influence  during  life 
gathered  around  this  point  and  caused  him  to  be  able  to  spread  good 
among  his  fellow-men,  and,  above  all,  he  was  a  Christian. 

"  I  think  the  last  time  he  took  me  by  the  hand  was  in  the  little 
church  which  he  had  built  and  started.  His  good  manhood  was 
magnified  by  his  high  official  position." 

The  obsequies  of  Mr.  Roberts  took  place  at  St.  Asaph's  Church, 
Bala,  on  February  2.  Before  the  funeral  cortege  reached  it,  the 
beautiful  sanctuary  rapidly  filled  up  with  people.  From  the  councils 
of  the  city,  vState  and  nation;  the  centres  of  trade,  transportation, 
commerce  and  finance;  the  Church,  the  home,  the  office,  the  shop, 
the  train  service,  the  tracks — through  all  the  varied  grades  and 
conditions  of  life — from  the  Governor  of  the  Commonwealth  to  the 

127 


track-walker  of  the  Schuylkill  Valley  Railroad,  both  of  whom  were 
present,  came  true  and  sincere  mourners  to  pay  the  last  sad  tribute 
of  respect  to  one  they  had  loved  and  looked  up  to  as  a  leader  along  the 
better  pathways  of  life.  On  March  24,  1897,  Mrs.  Miriam  P.  Roberts 
sent  to  Mr.  William  J.  Latta,  Chairman  of  the  Department,  her  check 
for  five  thousand  dollars  for  the  use  of  the  Department.  This  con- 
tribution was  from  the  special  fund  that  Mr.  Roberts  provided  for 
in  his  will  to  be  distributed  by  Mrs.  Roberts.  The  Management 
of  the  Department,  in  conjunction  with  the  Advisory  Board,  after 
considering  the  various  uses  to  which  the  money  might  be  put,  con- 
cluding that  inasmuch  as  Mr.  Roberts  took  a  deep  interest  in  the 
Department  and  kept  its  success  near  to  his  great  heart,  the  fund 
should  be  kept  intact,  permanently  invested,  and  the  interest  only 
from  its  investments  applied  to  the  various  uses  of  the  Department. 
And  further,  that  to  perpetuate  the  memory  and  Christian  virtues 
of  the  lamented  late  President,  the  fund  should  be  called  "The 
George  B.  Roberts  Fund."  Mr.  Robert  W.  Smith,  Treasurer  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  and  Trustee  of  the  Endowment 
Fund  of  the  Department,  was  made  Trustee  of  the  Fund, 

This  munificent  gift,  invested  in  the  manner  given  above,  has 
become  an  influential  factor  in  the  Department  and  its  future  use- 
fulness. As  the  interest  of  the  fund  is  presented  at  stated  periods, 
it  reminds  the  members  that  if  Mr.  Roberts  is  not  of  them  in  flesh 
he  is  with  them  in  spirit,  and  that  his  good  name  will  ever  be  a  beacon 
to  light  them  along  a  Christian  roadway  leading  to  a  manly  life. 

At  the  closing  exercises  of  the  Department,  held  in  the  audi- 
torium, Tuesday  evening,  April  13,  1897,  Rev.  H.  C.  McCook,  D.  D., 
pastor,  and  the  trustees  of  the  Tabernacle  Presbyterian  Church, 
Thirty-seventh  and  Chestnut  Streets,  announced  through  the  Chair- 
man of  the  Department  that,  in  recognition  of  the  Christian  char- 
acter and  moral  influence  of  the  educational  classes  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad  Department,  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
of  Philadelphia,  they  had  created  a  permanent  endowment  for  the 
purpose  of  awarding  annually  two  prizes,  one  of  the  value  of  ten 
dollars  and  the  other  of  five  dollars,  to  be  presented  to  the  best  and 
second-best  students  in  those  classes. 

The  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company 
presented  to  the  Department  the  desk  occupied  by  Mr.  Roberts 
as  a  memento  of  the  best  friend  the  Department  had  ever  known. 
The  desk  was  placed  in  the  library,  in  a  prominent  position,  and 
is  being  carefully  preserved  and  looked  after. 

128 


In  September  Mr.  William  H,  George,  after  five  years  of  faith- 
ful service  as  Chairman  of  the  Religious  Work  Committee,  desiring 
to  be  relieved,  requested  the  Chairman  to  appoint  someone  in  his 
place.  Mr.  G.  H.  Hungerford  was  selected  and  assumed  the  respon- 
sibilities of  the  position.  Mr.  George  was  entitled  to  and  received 
commendation  for  the  good  record  that  was  made  along  the  lines 
of  religious  work  while  he  was  Chairman.  The  work  was  small  when 
he  undertook  its  supervision,  but  grew  to  large  proportions,  so  that 
when  Mr.  Hungerford  undertook  to  supervise  it  it  was  no  small 
undertaking  to  maintain  and  develop  it  that  confronted  him;  but 
he  entered  upon  the  work  well  fitted  to  advance  it  by  his  thorough 
training  in  Bethany  Presbyterian  Church,  where  he  was  one  of 
Dr.  J.  Wilbur  Chapman's  most  valuable  and  efficient  workers. 

On  October  4,  1897,  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Management 
and  members  of  the  sub-committees  was  held  in  the  lecture-room  of 
the  building.  As  the  roll  was  called  over  two  hundred  interested 
persons  answered  to  their  names,  all  showing  in  their  manner  and 
speech  that  the  spirit  of  the  work  was  more  active  than  at  any 
previous  time.  The  reports  read  from  the  various  committees 
showed  that  the  work  on  all  its  lines  was  steadily  advancing.  Chair- 
man Latta,  who  presided,  after  passing  comment  on  the  reports, 
called  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  Department  was  in  debt,  saying  : 
"  It  is  an  old  story,  but  it  is  not  a  situation  to  discourage  us  It  is  not 
an  unfortunate  situation.  On  the  contrary,  it  is  one  that  should  stim- 
ulate us  to  do  more  and  better."  He  then  outlined  what  had  been 
accomplished,  and  then  made  prominent  the  fact  that  the  first  thing 
— the  important  thing — to  be  done  was  the  making  of  earnest  en- 
deavors on  the  part  of  the  members  to  lift  the  Department  out  of 
debt,  which  was  retarding  the  work  and  preventing  the  Department 
from  reaching  the  high  plane  of  full  efficiency  so  greatly  to  be  desired. 
Several  members  followed  the  Chairman  in  short  speeches  on  the 
subject,  and  when  the  meeting  adjourned  "debt-paying"  became 
a  prominent  thought  in  the  minds  of  all  those  who  had  been  present. 

The  final  reports  of  the  year  presented  the  following  facts: 

Atte;ndance;. 

At  building 148,555 

At  religious  services 44,654 

At  athletic  grounds 11,065 

At  entertainments 26,750 

At  lectures. 3, 195 

Total  attendance 234,219 

129 


MiSCBLLANKOUS. 

Attendance  at  gymnasium  classes 8,128 

Attendance  at  educational  classes _ 2,183 

Shuffleboard-room 20,000 

Books  circulated  from  library 17,789 

Committeemen -- 300 

Pages  reading  matter  distributed  by  the  Publi- 
cation Committee __ 1,000,000 

Visits  to  sick  and  injured 427 

Membership. 

Clerks 463 

Juniors 124 

Ladies'  Auxiliary 168 

Miscellaneous.. 397 

Shopmen.. 137 

Trainmen 429 

Total 1718 

Receipts $22,496.01 

Expenses $20,926.59 

The  expenditure  per  member  was  a  fraction  over  $12.00. 

In  speaking  of  the  results  for  the  year,  Chairman  Latta  said: 
"The  work  has  produced  faithful  men — men  of  character  moulded 
in  neater  lines.  It  has  taught  application  to  duty,  and  a  higher 
sense  of  individual  responsibility — a  deeper  feeling  of  helpfulness 
one  toward  another."  Mr.  Walter  C.  Douglas,  General  Secretary 
of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia,  who  was 
present  at  the  meeting  held  January  10,  1898,  for  the  reading  of  the 
yearly  reports,  subsequently  wrote:  "There  was  a  suggestion  of 
immense  power  in  that  body  of  men  forming  the  living  machinery 
in  the  wonderful  work  going  on  at  Forty-first  Street  and  Westminster 
Avenue.  I  was  impressed  by  the  perfection  of  organization  and  by 
the  unity  of  spirit.  I  was  struck  by  the  intelligence,  clearness  of 
expression  and  fineness  of  spiritual  insight  with  which  locomotive 
engineers  and  other  railroad  men  expressed  themselves.  I  was  im- 
pressed as  never  before  with  the  educational  power  of  an  organi- 
zation which  had  so  trained  and  developed  men  in  a  few  short  years, 
and  I  was  filled  with  hope  and  enthusiastic  anticipation  of  its  future. " 

The  opening  of  the  year  1898  was  observed  by  keeping  "open 
house"  at  the  building  on  January  1.  There  was  an  attendance  of 
2500  persons  in  the  afternoon  and  1200  in  the  evening.    Comradeship 

130 


CHARLES  R.  TOWSON, 
General  Secretary,  1898-1906. 


was  prominent,  and  greatly  enlivened  by  fine  music  and  exhibitions 
in  athletics  and  magic  in  the  afternoon  and  a  concert  in  the  evening. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Management  held  January  10, 
1898,  Mr.  Charles  R.  Towson  was  selected  as  General  Secretary, 
and  on  February  1  he  assumed  the  duties  of  the  position.  Mr.  Towson 
was  an  absolute  stranger  to  the  members  of  the  Department,  but 
as  he  was  highly  recommended  by  the  city,  State  and  international 
officers  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  he  at  once  became 
possessed  of  their  confidence.  Mr.  Towson  was  born  in  Baltimore, 
Maryland,  on  September  26,  1863,  and  educated  in  the  schools  of 
that  city.  Upon  leaving  school  he  entered  mercantile  life,  and  for 
ten  years  was  a  very  successful  commercial  traveler,  as  a  represent- 
ative of  one  of  Baltimore's  largest  and  most  important  paper  houses. 
He  early  connected  himself  with  Association  interests  in  his  native 
city,  and  whilst  on  his  travels  embraced  the  opportunities  they 
afforded  to  observe  the  Association  closely  in  different  localities 
to  study  it  as  an  institution  and  to  note  its  effects  as  such  upon  the 
lives  of  boys  with  unformed  character  and  upon  those  of  matured 
men.  He  was  so  impressed  with  the  work  and  its  importance  that 
he  gave  up  business  pursuits  and  entered  the  secretarial  field.  He 
was  engaged  in  business  in  southwest  Virginia  from  1890  to  the 
fall  of  1893,  when  he  became  General  Secretary  of  the  Roanoke  (Va.) 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  In  May,  1895,  he  was  called 
as  General  Secretary  to  the  larger  field  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  which  posi- 
tion he  only  left  to  accept  the  call  made  by  this  Department.  He 
exhibited  an  intense  love  for  the  work,  was  tactful,  energetic  and 
abounded  in  natural  wit,  readiness  of  speech  and  personal  magnetism. 
He  was  possessed  of  courage,  patience,  firmness  and  overflowing 
kindness.  He  made  and  maintained  discipline  without  friction;  led 
with  ease  and  followed  gladly.  His  varied  abilities  and  executive 
qualities  found  abundance  of  material  to  work  upon,  and  his  eight 
years  of  administrative  work  in  the  Department  proved  that  he 
did  not  waste  it.  He  continued  with  the  Department  until  December 
31,  1906,  when  he  resigned  to  accept  an  advanced  position  as  one 
■of  the  Secretaries  in  the  International  Committee. 

The  personnel  of  the  Board  of  Management  remained  the  same 
as  prevailed  during  the  preceding  year,  with  the  exception  of  the 
retiracy  of  R.  T.  Garland  and  the  addition  of  five  new  members. 
The  new  names  appearing  on  the  roll  were  R.  J.  McClain,  Joseph 
W.  Pullen,  William  Hammersley,  Reese  1>.  Hannum,  W.  L.  Megary 
and  W.  M.  Davison.     The  only  changes  in  the  chairmanships  of 

131 


committees  were  O.  P.  Ludwig,  succeeding  E.  T.  Peacock  of  the 
Boarding-House  Committee;  John  K.  Rynier,  succeeding  Charles 
G.  Cadwallader  of  Finance,  and  Roger  Hendley,  succeeding  S.  C. 
Pearson  of  House. 

The  installation  of  Mr.  Towson  stimulated  action  in  all  direc- 
tions, particularly  in  the  Junior  Department.  The  interest  in  the 
"boys"  had  always  been  deep  from  the  foundation  of  the  Depart- 
ment; however,  until  1893  there  had  been  no  movement  made 
towards  organizing  the  boys  themselves.  On  May  14,  1893,  Chair- 
man Latta,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Management,  suggested  the 
advisability  of  organizing  the  boys  under  sixteen  years  of  age  into 
a  Junior  Department  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  them  under  good 
influences  and  giving  them  a  direct  interest  in  the  work  of  the  Asso- 
ciation under  proper  restrictions.  The  Board,  acting  promptly  on 
the  suggestion  of  the  Chairman,  unanimously  adopted  the  following 
resolution: 

Resolved,  That  a  section  of  our  Department  be  organized  to 
be  known  as  the  Junior  Branch  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Depart- 
ment of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia,  to 
be  composed  of  youths  between  the  ages  of  ten  and  sixteen  whose 
parents  are  employes  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  or 
affiliated  companies,  or  who  are  themselves  employes;  the  member- 
ship ticket  to  cost  $1.00. 

Mr.  J.  A.  Keesberry  was  appointed  to  take  charge  of  the  work  of 
organizing  the  Branch  on  the  general  plan  of  the  Department. 
His  duty  was  well  performed,  and  in  a  short  time  procedure  was 
established,  committees  of  the  Juniors  formed  to  carry  on  the 
general  phases  of  the  work  in  mental  advancement,  physical  develop- 
ment, moral  uplift  and  recreation  under  the  observation  and  super- 
vision of  the  departmental  authorities.  The  boys  took  up  the  work 
with  enthusiasm,  and  carried  it  forward  with  the  same  earnestness, 
activity,  dignity  and  intelligence  as  was  displayed  by  the  seniors. 
They  felt  the  responsibility  and  did  not  shrink  its  requirements.  Thus 
was  founded  one  of  the  most  important  schools  for  training  youths 
for  entrance  into  the  service  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  It  is 
a  school  that  gives  opportunity  for  thought,  action  and  developing 
of  character,  and  in  the  years  that  have  intervened  has  furnished  a 
large  number  of  high-classed  minor  employes  who  have  rapidly 
advanced,  or  are  rapidly  advancing,  into  more  and  more  important 
official  positions  to  the  betterment  of  the  railroad  company  and  the 
advantage  of  the  communities  served  by  it.     So  rapidly  did  the 

132 


FIRST  BEACH   CAMP   FOR   BOYS  AT  OCEAN   CITY,   N.   J. 


Junior  work  develop  that  at  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Management 
in  February,  1898,  it  was  deemed  necessary  to  enlarge  the  facilities 
to  enable  more  vigorous  progress  to  be  made.  At  that  meeting  it 
was  decided  to  equip  seven  rooms  on  the  first  floor  of  the  main 
building  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Branch  and  place  the  admin- 
istration in  the  hands  of  a  competent  secretary.  The  rooms  set 
apart  were: 

Committee-room. _ _ _ _ _ _ 14  x  15 

Cloak-room _ _ -— 8  x  10 

Reading-room _ _ _ _ _ _ —..15  x  35 

Social-room _ _ _ _ _ -.35  x  40 

Shuflfleboard-room _ _ -— 14  x  38 

Toilet-room _ _ _ _ _ _ - _.  7x8 

Bath-rooms _ - - - - 12  x  18 

Locker-room _ _ _ _ _. _. 20  x  32 

Complete  separation  from  the  Senior's  department  was  a 
recognized  principle  of  the  foundation,  and  has  been  maintained. 
The  general  privileges  of  the  Department — gymnasium,  swimming- 
pool,  library  and  athletic  field — were  accorded  the  Juniors,  limited 
however,  to  fixed  hours.  Mr.  George  C.  Bartlett,  Jr.,  the  Financial 
Secretary  of  the  Department,  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  Branch 
as  Secretary.  Mr.  Bartlett's  thorough  understanding  of  child  life 
and  his  sympathy  with  it,  added  to  his  qualifications  for  adminis- 
trative duty,  made  him  an  exceptional  man  for  the  position,  and  the 
advancement  made  by  the  Juniors  must  to  a  large  extent  be  attrib- 
uted to  the  firm  and  faultless  foundations  laid  by  him.  The  work  of 
transforming  the  rooms  for  their  future  uses  went  on  without  in- 
terruption, and  on  May  6,  1898,  they  were  formally  opened,  thor- 
oughly equipped  for  the  work  they  were  designed  to  advance.  Under 
the  supervision  of  George  M.  Stewart,  Warner  R.  Thomas  and  C.  R. 
Smith,  at  different  times  from  1893  to  1898  the  Juniors  had  been 
taken  on  "outings"  to  such  places,  and  similar  ones,  as  the  Baldwin 
Locomotive  Works,  the  Zo-ological  Gardens,  the  Mint,  the  Atlantic 
Refining  Company,  the  D wight  Farms  and  Fairmount  Park,  com- 
bining instruction  with  pleasure,  with  the  best  possible  results  to 
the  individual  boy;  but  it  was  reserved  for  Mr.  Bartlett  to  conduct 
them  to  the  ocean,  "Blue,  darkly,  deeply,  beautifully  blue."  A 
camp  was  determined  upon,  to  be  established  at  Ocean  City,  N.  J., 
and  be  maintained  from  July  6  to  16,  and  named  "Camp  Latta"  in 
honor  of  the  Chairman  of  the  Department.  Sixteen  tents  were  pro- 
vided, with  all  the  necessary  food,  bedding  and  service.     Ocean  City 

133 


was  selected  for  its  superb  beach,  stretching  for  over  seven  miles 
without  a  break;  for  its  proximity  to  Philadelphia  and  for  the  variety 
of  enjoyments  it  afforded  camping  parties.  Crabbing,  fishing, 
sailing,  rowing,  bathing  were  the  attractions  to  be  presented  to 
the  boys.  Under  the  leadership  of  Bartlett,  accompanied  by  Harry 
Magann,  acting  Chairman  of  the  Outing  Committee,  Charles  R.  Smith, 
Chairman  Junior  Committee,  J.  H.  Beck,  Warner  R.  Thomas  and 
William  F.  Showalter,  thirty-two  of  the  Juniors  disembarked  from 
the  Philadelphia  express  on  the  morning  of  July  6,  and  made  a  wild 
dash  for  the  beach,  shouting  as  they  ran: 

"'Rah,  'rah,  'rah!     Hist,  boom,  bah! 
Choo,  choo,  choo!     P.— R.— R.!" 

Whilst  the  boys  enjoyed  every  moment  of  their  time,  and  were 
benefited  and  broadened  by  their  new  experience,  they  did  not  neglect 
their  religious  obligations,  and  on  Sunday  morning,  July  10,  they 
held  services  in  their  large  mess  tent,  and  in  the  evening  at  a  large 
building  on  the  boardwalk.  Several  hundreds  of  sojourners  at  Ocean 
City  attended  their  services.  The  boys  returned  home  benefited 
in  every  direction,  and  as  they  formed  the  first  great  camp  of  the 
Department  and  practically  laid  the  foundations  for  the  "Seashore 
House  "  to  be  spoken  of  hereafter,  justice  demands  that  their  names 
should  be  recorded.     Those  composing  the  party  were: 

Howard  Taylor,  Howell  Maxwell,  Elmer  Roberts,  William  D. 
Baker,  Zophar  Berry,  Chester  W.  Thompson,  Herman  Hevenor, 
Howard  Berry,  Frank  K.  Bacon,  Harold  S.  Custer,  Geo.  W.  O  'Malley, 
Jr.,  Arthur  B.  Burgess,  Edward  W.  Darr,  W.  F.  Flounders,  Jr., 
Edward  Meade,  Wilbur  Hammersley,  Ray  M.  Beck,  Harry  G.  Hayes, 
Alfred  C.  McMinn,  Jr.,  Elwood  W.  Morgan,  W.  H.  Hitchcock,  John 
Flannery,  Edward  A.  Stockton,  Jr.,  Chandler  Morgan,  Raymond 
Rhoads,  Walter  Stoever,  I/ConSiter,  R.  Olden  Beatty,  Howard  Yecker, 
Richard  Meng,  Harper  Guinn,  Earle  Maxwell. 

The  war  with  Spain  having  broken  out,  a  number  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Department  enlisted  in  the  army  and  navy  of  the  United 
States,  and  the  Board  of  Management  at  its  meeting  held  April 
26,  1898,  pledged  itself  "to  assist  the  National  Christian  Relief 
Association  in  caring  for  the  soldiers  and  sailors  now  fighting  for 
Cuba's  freedom  and  America's  honor" — a  pledge  which  was  faith- 
fully kept.  In  July  there  was  a  flag-raising,  at  which  the  patriotic 
sentiment  of  the  Department  was  displayed.  The  occasion  was  on 
the  evening  of  a  band  concert  by  the  Citizens'  Band  of  Steelton,  Pa., 
which  had  drawn  a  large  number  of  people  to  listen  to  the  music. 

134 


Incidental  to  the  concert  the  flag-raising  was  held  on  the  lawn, 
in  the  centre  of  which  a  splendid  single  8o-foot  flagpole,  the  gift 
of  Armstrong  &  Printzenhoff,  contractors,  had  been  erected.  The 
flag,  which  was  15  x  25  feet,  was  presented  to  the  Department  by 
the  President  and  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Company.  At  6.30  P.  M.  the  Citizens'  Band  took  a  position  around 
the  foot  of  the  flagstaff,  and  after  playing  a  spirited  march  the 
ceremonies  were  begun  by  the  band  playing  "America,"  at  the  con- 
clusion of  which  Rev.  Chas.  R.  Hrdman  offered  a  most  eloquent 
prayer,  and  at  its  close  the  flag  was  hoisted  to  the  top  of  the  pole 
by  John  Rynier  and  Carver  McMinn,  and  was  unfurled  by  J.  C.  Webb, 
Supervisor  of  Building.  As  the  beautiful  flag  was  unfolded  to  the 
breeze  it  was  saluted  by  the  whistles  of  twenty-two  locomotives  lo- 
cated throughout  different  parts  of  the  West  Philadelphia  yards,  and 
their  noise  completely  drowned  the  playing  of  the  "Star  Spangled 
Banner"  by  the  band,  as  well  as  the  cheers  of  the  vast  multitude 
that  was  present.  When  the  noise  had  subsided  Mr.  William  J. 
Latta,  Chairman  of  the  Department,  made  the  following  brief 
address : 

"Standing  here,  under  the  country's  flag,  let  these  thoughts 
engage  your  mind.  Your  country  asks  at  all  times,  but  especially 
at  the  present,  that  you  devote  your  best  mental  effort  in  her  behalf. 
Whether  you  be  in  a  profession  or  trade,  you  can  do  something  for 
her  cause.  Train  your  talent,  therefore,  for  the  common  good.  Re- 
member that  this  emblem  of  your  country  shows  its  feeble  beginning 
in  its  stripes,  representing  the  original  thirteen  States,  and  her 
wonderful  progress  in  its  stars,  chronicling  the  additions  thereto. 
This,  therefore,  is  an  evidence  to  you  that  although  the  beginning 
was  cradled  in  severe  sacrifice,  swathed  in  expended  blood  and 
treasure,  the  progress  has  not  been  devoid  of  the  same  kind  of  sacri- 
fice, when  you  read  the  history  of  the  acquisition  of  all  these  common- 
wealths. Your  part,  therefore,  is  to  bow  the  neck  to  the  yoke 
and  the  knee  to  proper  public  service.  Seek  your  duty  and  perform 
it.  Again,  the  love  that  you  have,  or  should  have,  for  one  another 
is  shown  in  the  beautiful  red,  while  the  purity  you  should  have  in 
your  lives  is  exemplified  in  the  white.  The  blue  should  remind 
you  of  the  duty  and  virtue  you  should  exercise  in  the  enjoyment 
of  your  liberty  in  thought,  deed  and  rehgion.  The  stars  depict  the 
bright  reward  there  is  beyond  for  the  diligence  displayed.  Let 
there  be  no  misunderstanding  of  your  duty  as  good  citizens.  Take 
a  part  in  politics — make  them  better  and  purer.    Give  your  country 

135 


a  service,  and  let  that  effort  be  in  well-chosen  directions,  including 
the  support  of  good  men. 

"Remember  that  in  this  time  of  war  you  at  home  have  obliga- 
tions to  uphold  the  common  cause.  While  war  is  most  to  be  deplored, 
yet  in  this  great  conflict  we  can  already  see  Divine  Providence  work- 
ing out  a  result.  No  one  will  doubt  but  the  advancement  in  the 
professions,  mechanics,  arts,  trades,  inventions,  cleaner  politics, 
diplomacy,  heroism  and  charity  that  must  come  to  our  country, 
if  properly  administered,  will  make  it  the  grandest  on  the  earth. 
Progress  has  already  been  made,  and  greater  is  yet  to  come. 
The  heroes  are  the  first,  perhaps,  to  answer  the  divine  call,  and  with 
what  enormous  stimulation  their  development  in  deeds  has  thrilled 
the  youth  and  manhood  and  even  womanhood  of  our  land!  Men 
will  grow  and  women  will  appear  where  before  but  commonplace 
people,  for  lack  of  stimulent  and  opportunity,  stood  still.  Invention 
will  advance  in  swifter  strides,  diplomacy  is  being  improved,  and 
cleaner  politics  must  come  as  an  anchor.  Charity  is  here  in  various 
forms,  softening  nature,  and  opening  sweet  comfort  to  sweeter 
living. 

"It  is  well,  then,  to  remember  that  with  a  common  country, 
a  common  emblem  aloft,  we  have  a  common  God  and  Saviour. 
To  them  must  we  consecrate  these  efforts,  these  results  and  this 
country.  Do  not  fail  to  carry  this  on  your  breastplate  as  you  do 
battle,  whether  with  warlike  weapons  or  implements  of  peace. 
Standing  here,  inspired  by  the  patriotic  impulses  that  this  occasion 
causes  to  course  through  your  veins,  you  are  also  standing  under 
the  shadow  of  that  other  institution  whose  influence  works  along 
parallel  lines.  Let  the  one  regard  the  other,  not  in  any  antagonistic 
feeling,  not  in  a  spirit  of  rivalry,  but  rather  as  the  means  to  reach  the 
same  end — the  uplifting  of  character,  the  christianizing  of  a  nation, 
the  salvation  of  a  people,  the  consecration  of  a  community,  as  an 
example  for  the  world  to  consider  as  the  result  of  true  religion  and 
true  patriotism,  depicting  in  their  joint  action  what  God  can  in 
His  wisdom  and  might  through  men  and  women  do  for  His  Blessed 
Kingdom." 

The  brief  but  impressive  ceremony  was  brought  to  a  close  by 
the  band  playing  "Hail  Columbia." 

On  May  2,  1898,  Mr.  J.  A.  Newbern,  Chairman  of  the  Athletic 
Committee,  died  after  a  short  illness.  Mr.  Newbern,  who  had  suc- 
ceeded Mr.  B.  A.  Stockton,  who  resigned  September  18,  1896,  had 
been  an  enthusiastic   worker  in  the  development  of  the  athletic 

136 


work  of  the  Department  and  was  an  important  factor  in  bringing 
about  the  steady  progress  which  that  work  has  made.  Mr.  George 
H.  Grone  was  appointed  Chairman  to  succeed  him. 

The  results  of  the  activities  for  the  year  are  shown  in  the  fol- 
lowing statistics  culled  from  the  annual  reports: 

General  attendance  at  building. 145,654 

Religious  Work. 

^feid^'      Attendance. 

Sunday  gospel  meetings 52  33,964 

Sunday  Bible  class 58  623 

Bible  training  class 20  509 

Cottage  meetings 38  875 

Totals 168         35,971 

Sick  Visitation. 
Number  of  visits  to  sick  and  injured 406 

Social. 

No.  of  Events.    Attendance. 

Star  Course  entertainments 19  17,650 

Special  entertainments 11  8,650 

Receptions,  sociables,  etc 7  10,760 

Committee  teas 6  515 

Committee  meetings 43  480 

Totals 86  38,055 

Athletics. 

Senior  members  using  gymnasium 5,407 

Junior  members  using  gymnasium _ 3,564 

Visitors  to  gymnasium 8,028 

Senior  members  using  grounds 7,043 

Junior  members  using  grounds 650 

Visitors  to  grounds 7,640 

Totals 32,332 

Music  Department. 

No.  of  Sessions.     Attendance. 

Banjo  Club 22  239 

Choral 24  1,203 

Sight  singing 23  708 

Sunday  choir 26  910 

Total 95  3,060 

137 


KducationaIv  Department. 

No.  of  Sessions.     Attendance. 

Mechanical  draughting 24  248 

Telegraphy _ 62  652 

Penmanship. 24  462 

Arithmetic ..-- - 25  411 

Bookkeeping.. 25  195 

Typewriting  and  stenography 35  1,076 

Grammar  and  spelling 12  178 

Totals 207  3,222 


Literary  Committee. 

No.  of  Events.  Attendance. 

Lectures  given 3  1,650 

Debating  Society 6  300 

Total 9  1,950 


Juniors. 

Meetings 
held. 

Bible  classes 34 

Gospel  meetings 18 

Entertainments  and  societies 12 

Total 64 


Attendance. 

854 

935 

2,011 


3,800 


RECAPITUI^ATION  OF  ATTENDANCE. 

At  building 145,644 

Religious  work.. _ 35,971 

Social  work 38,055 

Athletics...- 32,332 

Music  department 3,060 

Educational 3,222 

Literary 1,950 

Juniors. 3,800 

Total  attendance 264,034 

138 


Membership  December  31,  1898. 

Seniors 1,244 

Juniors 18G 

Ladies'  Auxiliary 185 

Total 1,615 

Library  Statistics. 

Volumes  added  during  the  year 1,349 

Volumes  in  library  December  31,  1898 7,262 

Periodicals  in  reading-room... 60 

Volumes  circulated  during  year 18,250 

FiNANCIAIv. 

Receipts. $22,834.45 

Expenditures.. 24,435.72 

The  expenditures  equaled  an  average  cost  per  member  of 
$13.89.  A  loan  of  $6000  was  effected  during  the  year  to  meet  a 
current  indebtedness,  making  the  total  mortgage  indebtedness 
$29,000,  which,  added  to  the  outstanding  note  for  $5000,  made  the 
total  indebtedness  of  the  Department  at  the  close  of  the  year  1898 
$34,000. 

1899. 

The  executive  management  was  the  same  as  in  1898,  with  the 
exception  that  the  names  of  A.  Feldpauche,  B.  F.  Miller,  A.  A.  Brown 
and  D.  H.  Lovell  were  added  to  the  Committee  of  Management. 
The  Ladies'  Auxiliary  chose  the  following  as  officers  for  the  year: 

President,  Mrs.  G.  W.  Gii.Iv. 
Vice-President,  Mrs.  M.  C.  Ward. 
Secretary,  Mrs.  H.  C.  Schultz. 
Treasurer,  Mrs.  A.  McMinn. 
Guide,  Miss  D.  Bender. 

The  "  New  Year"  reception,  on  January  1,  was  largely  attended. 
The  building,  beautifully  decorated  with  spruce,  laurel  and  exotic 
plants,  was  visited  during  the  day  by  over  four  thousand  persons, 
who  were  supplied  with  refreshments  by  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  and 
subsequently  entertained  in  the  auditorium.  An  interesting  fea- 
ture of  the  occasion  was  the  appearance  of  a  large  body  of  men,  who 

139 


came  in  their  working  clothes  from  the  nearby  railroad  yards.  A 
separate  reception  was  held  by  the  Juniors  in  their  rooms,  which 
was  attended  by  about  two  hundred  boys.  The  New  Year  recep- 
tions, of  which  this  was  a  sample,  are  delightful  events  in  the  social 
life  of  the  Department,  and  increase  in  interest  on  each  recurring 
anniversary. 

Honorable  mention  has  been  made  in  these  pages  of  some  of 
the  members  who  went  forth  to  do  battle  for  their  country's  honor 
in  the  Spanish-American  War,  and  as 

"  Peace  hath  her  victories, 
No  less  renowned  than  war," 

it  is  but  justice  to  record  the  achievements  of  many  members  of 
the  Department  who  entered  upon  a  campaign  which,  peaceful 
though  it  was,  was  environed  by  peril.  Warfare  is  not  confined  to 
contending  human  beings  going  forth  with  guns  to  kill  and  conquer 
one  another.  There  are  other  armies  which  with  more  peaceful 
weapons  march  to  succor  and  to  save.  In  this  latter  class  is  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company's  grand  division  of  America's 
splendid  army  of  railroad  men.  They  marched  with  that  army 
in  the  memorable  period  from  the  11th  to  the  16th  of  February, 
1899,  with  unexcelled  fortitude,  and  battled  with  heroic  spirit  intent 
on  conquering  the  terrible  foe  which  Nature  in  one  of  its  angry 
moods  had  hurled  at  this  part  of  the  earth.  The  avalanche  of  snow 
that  tumbled  from  the  mountains  of  the  sky,  fanned  by  the  wild 
and  icy  winds,  fell  athwart  the  lines  of  communication  over  which 
multitudes  of  people  drew  their  daily  supplies,  and  challenged  the 
stoutest  hearts  of  man  to  combat.  The  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
forces  did  not  hesitate  a  moment  in  picking  up  the  gauntlet,  and, 
with  their  lives  in  peril,  in  going  forth  to  meet  the  foe.  With  limbs 
benumbed  and  blood  chilled  by  the  zero  weather,  the  winds  at  times 
almost  prostrating  them,  but  with  the  knowledge  that  the  supply- 
ing of  food  to  sustain  the  hves  of  hundreds  of  thousands  of  their 
fellow-men  depended  upon  their  exertions,  they  dauntlessly  pre- 
sented a  bold,  brave  and  united  front  and  went  into  the  strife 
determined  to  win.  Hundreds  of  miles  of  huge  snow  fortifications, 
with  their  outlying  works  drifted  into  frozen  masses,  were  gallantly 
assaulted  and  heroically  carried — the  army  advancing,  never  retreat- 
ing, until  the  last  obstacle  to  its  successful  march  was  razed  and 
the  day  had  been  won. 

The  storm  and  its  results,  which  these  men  combatted  and  con- 

140 


quered,  was  declared  by  the  Weather  Bureau  at  Washington  to  be 
"  the  greatest  in  the  history  of  the  Atlantic  Coast  States,"  and  yet 
the  people  who  were  succored  from  its  terrors  never  thought  of 
making  the  day  upon  which  the  conquering  heroes  returned  a  gala 
day.  Business  quarters  were  not  decorated  with  gayly  colored  bunt- 
ing; banners  were  not  thrown  to  the  breeze;  cities  were  not  illumi- 
nated to  add  brilliancy  to  the  rejoicings  of  the  night;  leagues,  clubs 
and  societies  thought  not  of  banquets,  speeches,  swords  and  medals 
to  commemorate  brave  deeds;  legislative  halls  did  not  resound  with 
oratory  over  the  achievements  of  the  returned  heroes.  It  is  a  singu- 
lar trait  in  human  nature  that  such  evidences  of  appreciation  should 
be  reserved  for  the  men  of  blood,  for  surely  the  more  honors  granted 
to  the  heroes  of  peace  would  supply  less  inspiration  to  create  those 
of  bloodshed.  It  is  an  inspiring  thought  that  the  Storm  King  who 
had  defeated  Napoleon's  Imperial  Army  of  France  was  defeated 
by  the  Army  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  when  he  turned  his 
wrath  upon  the  pursuits  of  peace.  To  which  army  should  the  greater 
honor  be  accorded  is  a  question  that  requires  no  discussion  to  decide 
in  favor  of  the  latter.  The  one,  created  to  destroy,  failed;  the  other, 
organized  to  build  up,  succeeded. 

Citizens  of  the  United  States  rightly  honor  the  manhood  which, 
under  the  scorching  rays  of  the  tropical  sun,  conquered  the  proud 
Spanish  nation;  but  it  is  not  to  their  credit  to  allow  deeds  of  as  ster- 
ling a  manhood  as  ever  stood  behind  a  gun  to  pass  by  unnoticed. 
The  "men  behind  the  guns,  "  when  engaged  in  a  righteous  cause,  are 
patriotic  figures  to  praise  and  appreciate,  but  they  are  not  more 
heroic  and  do  not  exhibit  a  higher  standard  of  citizenship  than  the 
men  behind  the  shovels  and  the  throttle  levers,  or  the  men  at  the 
brakes  and  on  the  footboards,  platforms  and  bridges.  These  rail- 
road men,  when  the  action  was  over,  quietly  returned  to  their  homes, 
rich  in  their  consciousness  of  duty  well  performed  and  the  approval 
and  appreciation  of  the  railroad  management.  Around  their  fire- 
sides, as  they  dwelt  in  retrospection  on  the  experiences  they  had 
had,  the  dangers  and  the  fatigues  encountered,  they  did  not  have 
occasion  to  blush  for  any  discordant  sounds  of  discontent  or  unmanly 
clamor  for  unattainable  fleshpots;  for  none  were  heard  during  the 
campaign,  and  subsequently,  as  they  viewed  the  aftermath,  no 
panorama  of  courtsmartial,  heart-burnings,  jealousies,  intrigues, 
crimes  and  scandals  passed  before  their  eyes,  for  the  scene  was  a 
placid  one  of  renewed  prosperity,  due  to  open  communications 
restored  by  their  labors. 

141 


The  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation supphes  the  food  upon  which  such  heroes  are  reared. 

"In  peace  there's  nothing  so  becomes  a  man 
As  modest  stillness  and  humility." 

On  Tuesday,  March  7,  the  Juniors  held  a  banquet  in  celebra- 
tion of  the  first  anniversary  of  the  reorganization  of  their  branch. 
One  hundred  and  fifty  boys  from  ten  to  sixteen  years  of  age,  giving 
full  vent  to  enthusiasm  and  appetite,  attended  the  function,  and 
were  seated  around  four  tables  bountifully  supplied  with  tempting 
food  furnished  by  the  ladies  of  the  Auxiliary.  Charles  R.  Smith, 
the  Department's  Chairman  of  the  Committee  supervising  the 
Junior  Branch,  presided,  surrounded  by  his  committee  of  seniors, 
officers  of  the  Department  and  invited  guests.  After  the  supper 
the  chairmen  of  the  various  committees  of  the  Junior  organization 
submitted  their  annual  reports.  The  chairmen  and  their  subjects 
were  : 

Religious  Work,  Elmer  S.  Roberts. 
Entertainment,  Alfred  C.  McMinn,  Jr. 
Reception,  Harper  J.  McGuinn. 
Membership,  Harold  S.  Custer 
Games,  William  R.  Flounders,  Jr. 
Reading- Room,  Crawford  V.  Justice. 
Gymnasium,  Howard  G.  Taylor. 
Sick  Visitation,  William  D.  Baker. 
Decoration,  Edward  Meade. 
Outings,  Gordon  D.  Frazer. 
Bicycle,  Harry  G.  Hayes. 
Collection  Case,  E.  HowiLL  Maxwell. 
Base  Ball,  Howard  B.  Tecker. 
Commissary,  Frank  K.  Bacon. 

The  reports  were  concisely  worded,  exhibiting  a  fine  sense  of 
economy,  and  with  a  dignity  and  directness  which  legislative  com- 
mittees in  the  city.  State  and  national  bodies  might  pattern  after. 
It  must  be  observed  that  all  these  boys  were  under  sixteen  years  of 
age,  but  were  raised  in  the  atmosphere  of  Christianity  created  by 
a   railroad   corporation. 

As  Tuesday  night  was  the  regular  night  for  holding  religious 
meetings,  the  boys  did  not  overlook  the  fact  amid  their   festivities 

142 


and  business;  when  both  these  were  over  they  passed  into  rehgious 
devotion  with  subdued  but  earnest  spirit.  The  services  were  con- 
ducted by  themselves  under  their  own  youthful  leaders. 

On  March  15  there  was  set  in  movement  an  educational  ad- 
vancement on  practical  lines  of  far-reaching  benefit.  C.  B.  Nixon, 
a  yardmaster,  Reese  L.  Hannum,  an  assistant  freight  trainmaster, 
and  John  K.  Rynier,  a  locomotive  engineer,  all  earnest  members  of 
the  department,  conceived  a  plan  for  the  establishment  of  a  "  class 
in  air-brakes,"  so  that  not  only  should  the  m^en  in  the  train  service 
become  familiar  with  the  principles  and  practical  operation  of  that 
invention  which,  in  its  results,  might  be  classed  as  a  successful  life- 
preserver,  but  that  all  the  employes  of  the  road  should  be  made 
familiar  with  its  workings,  so  that  in  case  of  emergency  any  em- 
ploye could  act  intelligently.  These  three  men  secured  the  co- 
operation in  their  plan  of  R.  h.  Durburow,  W.  W.  Atterbury  and 
Mr.  Alexander,  of  the  Motive  Power  Department,  who  assured  them 
that  a  necessary  plant  would  be  installed  in  the  building. 

At  the  meeting  of  March  15,  when  the  three  earnest  men  were 
present,  they  were  surrounded  by  fifty  trainmen  anxious  to  be 
instructed  and  who  became  as  enthusiastic  as  themselves.  Weekly 
meetings  were  held  which  aroused  so  much  interest  that  before 
the  first  of  May  two  hundred  employes  had  enrolled  themselves  as 
members  of  the  class.  At  an  early  day  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Company  had  installed  in  the  building  a  thorough  and  complete 
air-brake  plant.  I^ectures  were  instituted  by  Mr.  J.  A.  Alexander, 
inspector  of  air-brakes  at  Altoona,  which  were  largely  attended. 
Mr.  Alexander  also  provided  for  daily  instructions  and  designated 
the  instructors  from  the  ranks  of  the  locomotive  engineers,  who 
freely  gave  their  services  for  the  general  good.  From  two  to  three 
hundred  individual  employes  attended  each  of  the  lectures.  It 
is  estimated  that  before  the  year  closed  at  least  one  thousand  em- 
ployes of  the  railroad  whose  service  did  not  require  them  to  be 
air-brake  men  were  made  thoroughly  familiar  with  the  principle, 
use  and  operation  of  the  appliance. 

On  the  24th  of  March,  Messrs.  N.  P.  Shortridge,  B.  B.  Comegys, 
Charles  E.  Pugh,  John  P.  Green,  Alexander  J.  Cassatt,  William  H. 
Barnes,  William  A.  Patton  and  William  J.  L,atta,  all  of  the  Advisory 
Board,  visited  the  building,  inspected  it  and  the  work  conducted 
in  it,  and  on  leaving  bore  testimony  to  the  good  work  being  done  in 
advancing  the  railroad  man's  standard. 


143 


April  7  the  committeemen  of  the  Department  gave  a  reception 
to  the  ladies  of  the  Auxiliary.  Although  the  weather  was  unfavor- 
able there  was  a  large  attendance  of  ladies.  First  Vice-Chairman 
William  B.  Wilson,  Rev.  Charles  R.  Erdman  and  General  Secretary 
Towson  welcomed  the  guests.  The  House  of  Refuge  Band  was 
present,  accompanied  by  Superintendent  Neibecker  and  Colonel 
Hawley,  and  lent  the  inspiration  of  music  to  the  occasion.  The 
following,  taken  from  an  account  given  by  one  of  the  members  of 
the  Auxiliary,  is  descriptive  of  the  event: 

"The  reception  tendered  the  ladies  of  the  Auxiliary  on  the 
evening  of  the  7th  by  the  committeemen  must  go  down  in  the  annals 
of  the  Auxiliary  as  the  most  brilliant  of  its  kind.  No  expense  was 
spared  to  make  it — which  it  undoubtedly  was — a  glowing  success. 
The  gentlemen  who  managed  it,  Messrs.  Meng,  Baker  and  Adams, 
deserve  praise  for  their  untiring  efforts  to  prepare  such  a  delightful 
evening  for  the  ladies.  The  spacious  room  was  tastefully  deco- 
rated with  exquisite  plants  and  presented  a  long  vista  of  loveliness; 
large  growing  palms  waved  their  graceful  leaves  as  though  in 
recognition  of  the  bright  galaxy  of  happy  faces  and  pretty 
gowns. 

"The  musical  programme  was  exceptionally  good,  the  band 
rendering  some  choice  selections.  The  menu  prepared  was  a  glorious 
feast — no  'Barmecides'  feast,  but  a  good,  substantial  meal.  Alto- 
gether it  was  a  lovely  affair  and  we  can  only  hope  for  a  repetition 
of  it  at  some  early  date." 

On  April  10  the  closing  exercises  of  the  Educational  Depart- 
ment were  held  in  the  auditorium.  Mr.  B.  F.  Miller,  Chairman  of 
the  Educational  Committee,  presided.  Seated  with  him  on  the 
platform  were  the  Rev.  Kerr  Boyce  Tupper,  D.D.,  lylv.D.,  Rev. 
Charles  R.  Erdman,  Mr.  Walter  C.  Douglas,  R.  I.  Heim,  and  Class 
Instructors  J.  W.  R.  Collins  and  W.  R.  Taylor,  stenography  and 
typewriting;  R.  A.  Whittingham,  mechanical  drawing;  H.  J. 
Kromer,  telegraphy,  and  C.  B.  Collins,  bookkeeping,  penmanship, 
arithmetic,  English  grammar  and  spelling.  The  proceedings  opened 
with  a  reading  from  the  Scriptures  by  Mr.  Heim,  the  selection  being 
a  most  appropriate  one — Proverbs,  4th  chapter,  verses  1  to  23, 
inclusive.  Prayer  was  offered  by  Mr.  W.  C.  Douglas,  after 
which  the  De  Koven  Quartette  rendered  most  acceptably  two  selec- 
tions. 


144 


FRANK  THOMSON, 
President  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  1897-1899. 


Enrollment. 

Attendance, 

51 

1,230 

16 

457 

39 

390 

27 

290 

_ _— .       34 

297 

_ _.._.       18 

150 

19 

380 

Mr.  Miller  then  read  the  report  of  his  committee.  The  work  is 
properly  summarized  in  the  following  table : 

Stenography—- _ - — . 

Mechanical  drawing _ _.. 

Penmanship _ _ — . 

English  grammar  and  spelling. 

Arithmetic _ 

Bookkeeping _ _ _ 

Telegraphy. _ _ _.. 

Total _ _ 204  3,194 

Total  number  of  lessons  235. 

One  hundred  and  thirty-two  persons  were  registered  in  all  classes. 

Fifty-one  (51)  students  were  entitled  to  certificates  of  merit  in 
the  various  classes. 

On  May  25,  1899,  the  thirty- third  Biennial  International  Con- 
vention of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  North  America 
met  in  Grand  Rapids,  Michigan.  Rev.  Charles  R.  Krdman,  George 
H.  Grone,  William  T.  Adams,  B.  B.  Thompson  and  Charles  R. 
Towson  represented  this  Department  and  took  a  very  prominent 
part  in  the  proceedings.  Mr.  Towson  was  made  Secretary  of  the 
Convention.  . 

Mr.  Frank  Thomson,  President  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Company,  died  on  June  5,  and  at  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  of 
Management  held  June  16  it  was  ordered  that  the  following  minute 
be  placed  upon  record  and  a  copy  sent  to  the  family  of  Mr.  Thomson : 

"With  the  most  profound  regret  the  members  of  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad  Department,  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of 
Philadelphia,  have  heard  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Frank  Thomson,  late 
President  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company.  Mr.  Thomson 
not  only  contributed  liberally  to  the  support  of  the  Department, 
but  evinced  a  deep  interest  in  its  progress.  In  his  death  the  mem- 
bers feel  a  personal  loss.  Able,  alert  and  attentive  to  duty,  he  rose 
from  the  humblest  to  the  highest  position  in  the  service  of  the  Com- 
pany, leaving  an  indelible  impress  upon  its  records,  a  page  of  faith- 
fulness, the  lessons  from  which  will  always  be  studied  by  those 
who  desire  to  emulate  a  good  example  or  achieve  the  ideal  of  duty. 
A  splendid  manhood  and  bright  and  honorable  career  has  been 
ended,  leaving  to  his  fellow- employes  a  high  standard  to  follow, 
and  to  his  children,  who  have  our  sincere  and  heartfelt  sympathy 

145 


in    their   great    bereavement   and   irreparable  loss,  an  invaluable 
heritage." 

The  Membership  Committee  reported  that  during  the  ten 
months  ending  June  30  an  increase  of  411  members  had  been 
secured.  The  classification  of  members  which  follows  shows  from 
what  sections  of  the  railroad  service  came  the  increase: 

September  June  30, 

1,  1898.  1899. 

Brakemen _ _ _ 95  172 

Baggage  department _ _ _ _       19  33 

Car  inspectors _ _ _ 29  27 

Conductors _ - _ 30  42 

Clerks - _ - _ 375  435 

Civil  engineers — _ - 3  3 

Locomotive  engineers _ 63  93 

Firemen _ _ _ _ _ 22  47 

Flagmen _ _ _ _ 8  11 

Levermen _ _ _ - 3  4 

Messengers _ _ - 39  44 

Operators _ — — 19  25 

Officials - - - _ -—       59  68 

Special  officers — — — —         3  8 

Oilers..- _ - _ - - 1  3 

Post-Office  department....— _ — .  8 

Shopmen.^- _ _. _ _ 72  169 

Stenographers _. _ _ - —       14  20 

Switchmen _ _ - - 13  14 

Ticket  examiners _ _ — .  3 

Trackmen _ - _ - _         4  2 

Station  agents _ — — 6  9 

Station  masters - - - _         1  5 

Warehousemen _ _ _ 97  76 

Sons  of  employes 144  131 

Electricians. _ _ 3  1 

Janitors..- _ _ _ - 4  14 

Yardmasters  and  assistant  yardmasters      31  27 

Employes  Adams  Express  Company....       18  24 

"          Pullman  P.  C.  Company -.  8 

"          Union  News  Company 2  2 

Union  Transfer  Company 3  4 


u 


Total  senior  membership 1,179  1,532 

Total  junior  membership 145  203 

Total  membership _...  1,324  1,735 

In  July  Mr.  G.  H.  Hungerford,  who  had  filled  the  position  of 
Chairman  of  the  Religious  Work  Committee  since  January,  1898, 

146 


found  it  necessary  to  relinquish  the  work  because  of  the  increased 
demands  upon  his  time  and  the  distance  at  which  he  lived  from  the 
building.  It  was  with  regret  that  his  resignation  was  accepted,  as 
Mr.  Hungerford  had  always  given  earnest  and  efficient  effort  to 
directing  aright  the  Department's  religious  activities.  He  continued 
to  serve  as  a  member  of  the  committee.  D.  W.  Freas,  one  of  the 
very  efficient  members  of  the  Department,  accepted  the  appointment 
and  entered  upon  the  duties  of  the  chairmanship.  T.  B.  Essick  was 
selected  as  Chairman  for  the  Sick  Visitation  Committee  in  place  of 
Mr.  Freas,  who  relinquished  the  position  to  accept  the  former-men- 
tioned place.  R.  L.  Hannum  was  chosen  as  Chairman  of  the  Recep- 
tion Committee. 

The  Ocean  City  Camp  was  held  as  usual  in  July,  and  esteemed 
a  success.  The  following  extract  from  the  Ocean  City  Daily  Reporter 
shows  the  outsiders'  view-point  of  the  camp  or  camps: 

"The  P.  R.  R.  Y.  M.  C.  A.  Junior  Camp,  now  occupying  about 
four  hundred  feet  of  our  beach  front  at  First  Street,  is  one  of  the 
largest,  most  appropriately  equipped,  and  certainly  the  best  disci- 
plined, boys'  camp  that  has  ever  visited  this  resort.  The  manage- 
ment have  left  no  stone  unturned  in  their  efforts  to  surround  the  camp 
life  of  their  one  hundred  charges  with  all  possible  influences  for  good. 

"  No  written  rules  are  posted,  nor  will  any  be  necessary,  for  all 
clearly  understand  that  profanity,  smoking  and  vices  are  not  per- 
mitted by  the  very  nature  and  principles  of  the  organization.  All 
amusements,  and  especially  bathing,  fishing  rowing  and  sailing,  are 
under  the  personal  supervision  of  their  secretary. 

"  Meetings  are  held  once  each  day,  and  are  helpful  to  the  spirit- 
ual life  of  the  boys  as  well  as  elevating  and  instructive.  Campfires, 
appropriate  stories,  potato  and  apple  bakes,  watermelon  parties,  etc., 
all  go  toward  making  the  social  life  all  that  could  be  desired.  Three 
cooks  look  after  the  satisfaction  of  the  inner  man  and  provide  sub- 
stantial and  wholesome  food  and  plenty  of  it. 

"'Camp  William  J.  I^atta, '  so  named  in  honor  of  the  esteemed 
Chairman  of  the  Association,  for  the  younger  members,  left  for 
home  last  Saturday  afternoon.  Many  of  the  little  fellows,  scarcely 
nine  years  of  age,  and  none  over  thirteen,  were  tanned  by  the  sun's 
rays,  yet  hardy  and  healthy  as  only  seashore  life  could  make  them. 

'"Camp  WilHam  A.  Patton,'  for  the  older  members,  between 
fourteen  and  sixteen  years  of  age,  opened  Monday  for  two  weeks  of 
pleasure  and  profit,  and  we  predict  a  general  good  time.  This 
camp,  like  its  predecessor,  was  named  after  a  prominent  official  of 

147 


the  Company  and  the  President  of  the  N,  Y,,  P.  &  N.  R.  R.  Com- 
pany. Mr.  Patton  takes  a  great  interest  in  the  Junior  branch  of  the 
Y.  M.  C.  A.  and  is  much  loved  by  the  young  members. 

"  The  camp  is  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  George  C.  Bartlett,  Jr., 
assisted  by  a  devoted  committee  of  the  older  members,  which  in- 
clude C.  R.  Smith,  Chairman  of  the  Junior  Department,  and  S.  W. 
Crowe,  W.  W.  Berry,  WilHam  Showalter,  W.  R.  Thomas,  R.  E.  Goet- 
tleman,  C.  A.  Baker,  C.  A.  Mann,  W.  R.  Flounders,  A.  C.  McMinn, 
Jr.,  B.  S.  Roberts,  H.  S.  Custer,  H.  K.  Berry,  Herbert  Ottey  and 
W.  D.  Baker." 

A  special  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Management  was  held 
August  30,  1899,  to  consider  the  following  communication  from  Mr. 
William  J.  I^atta,  addressed  to  the  General  Secretary: 

"  Preparatory  to  some  changes  in  view  affecting  myself  in  the 
near  future,  it  becomes  necessary  for  me  to  close  my  official  connec- 
tion with  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia,  to  take  effect  not  later  than 
September  first  next. " 

The  resignation  was  received  and  ordered  spread  on  the  minutes. 

On  motion,  the  following  was  unanimously  adopted  by  a  rising 
vote: 

"  Ordered— 

"  That  the  following  minute  be  placed  upon  the  records  of  this 
Department,  and  a  copy,  signed  by  the  Chairman  of  this  meeting, 
sent  to  Mr.  Latta: 

"MlNUTB. 

"William  J.  Latta's  voluntary  severance  of  his  long,  faithful 
and  brilliant  service  with  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  and 
his  consequent  resignation  as  Chairman  of  this  Department,  having 
evoked  not  only  the  feeling  of  regret  among  our  members,  but  also 
that  of  a  personal  and  departmental  loss,  it  is  fitting  that  the  Board 
of  Management  make  record  of  its  appreciation  of  him. 

"As  an  official  of  the  road  he  was  looked  up  to  by  us  as  one  Who 
was  pre-eminent  in  all  the  qualities  that  bring  success  to  the  great 
corporation.  His  breadth  of  knowledge,  quick  perception,  sound 
judgment,  untiring  industry  and  ever-present  sympathy  marked 
him  as  an  ideal  officer. 

"As  the  Chairman  of  this  Department,  those  qualities,  added 
to  his  unostentatious  but  deeply  religious  nature,  his  boundless 
charity,  optimistic  views  of  life,  cheerful  spirit  and  unselfish  guid- 

148 


Photo  by  Evans  Studio,  Philadelphia. 

WILLIAM  A.  PATTON, 
General  Chairman,  1899  to  date. 


ance,  caused  clouds  to  disappear  and  harmony  and  co-operation  to 
bring  about  the  splendid  advancement  which  marks  our  history 
today. 

"  The  cause  has  been  advanced  by  his  efforts,  and  individually 
and  collectively  we  are  happier  and  better  because  of  his  leadership, 
which  has  always  been  modest  and  unassuming,  and  ever  conducted 
with  self-depreciation. 

"  As  a  man  he  stands  as  a  model — ability,  boldness,  fearlessness, 
used  only  for  whatever  is  right;  keen  appreciation,  intense  honesty 
and  absolute  purity,  added  to  a  high  sense  of  duty  to  his  fellow- 
man,  have  made  him  a  tower  of  strength  in  defending  and  advancing 
a  better  citizenship. 

"In  his  breaking  of  official  ties,  which  is  deeply  painful  to  us, 
although,  no  doubt,  wise  and  good  in  him,  and  going  out  into  the 
great  world  where  greater  good  must  follow  his  future  life  endeavors, 
he  carries  with  him  our  admiration,  esteem  and  love. 

"  May  God  speed  and  prosper  him  in  all  his  undertakings,  and 
bestow  upon  him  in  the  fullness  of  time  that  greatest  of  all  rewards, 
the  heavenly  acclaim,  '  Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant! '" 

The  committee  then  selected  Mr.  William  A.  Patton  for  Chair- 
man, which  was  heartily  endorsed  by  the  Advisory  Board  and  most 
gladly  confirmed  by  the  parent  Association. 

John  Rynier,  A.  McMinn  and  R.  L.  Hannum  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  carry  the  official  notification  of  his  election  as  Chair- 
man to  Mr.  William  A.  Patton.  They  performed  that  duty  on 
Tuesday,  September  5.  They  had  a  long  and  interesting  interview 
with  Mr.  Patton,  who  feelingly  accepted  the  call  as  a  duty  that  he 
could  not  disregard.  He  talked  over  Department  matters  with  the 
committee,  and  assured  them  that  he  would  do  all  in  his  power  to 
advance  the  cause  which  the  Department  represents.  After  the 
interview,  the  committee  was  conducted  to  the  President's  room, 
where  they  were  received  in  the  most  cordial  manner  by  Mr.  Cassatt, 
who  displayed  a  great  interest  in  the  work  in  which  they  were 
engaged. 

The  pall  which  shrouded  the  hearts  of  all  the  members  when  the 
resignation  of  Mr.  Latta  was  announced  was  lifted  by  that  acceptance. 
The  hand  of  Providence  in  the  selection  was  manifest.  Mr.  Patton, 
loved,  respected  and  having  the  unbounded  confidence  of  all  classes 
of  railroad  men,  raised  the  rallying  cry,  "Upward  and  onward," 
which  was  enthusiastically  taken  up  all  along  the  line, 

Mr.  Patton  was  the  man  for  the  position.     His  character  pos- 

149 


sessing  so  many  and  so  varied  traits  of  excellence,  a  selection  of 
any  one  of  them  as  the  predominant  factor  in  it  would  be  difficult. 
Love  and  duty  are  his  watchwords,  and  modesty,  simplicity,  sin- 
cerity, probity  and  honor  direct  his  movements.  A  man  of  noble 
type,  with  kindly  spirit,  he  has  always  taken  an  active  interest  in 
the  welfare  of  his  fellow-men.  Firm  in  the  right,  the  foe  of  wrong; 
with  a  most  excellent  heart  and  with  amiability  and  gentleness 
adorning  his  nature,  he  possesses  the  love  and  appreciation  of  all 
men  with  whom  he  comes  in  contact.  Now  in  the  year  1910,  as 
we  view  in  retrospect  all  these  succeeding  years,  there  looms  up  the 
fact  that  there  has  not  been  any  force  aside  from  God's  blessing 
which  has  contributed  so  much  to  the  Department's  success  as  Mr. 
Patton's  personal  interest  in  it.  He  was  the  Department's  friend 
at  the  beginning,  and  with  a  marked  devotion  and  faithfulness, 
with  a  modesty  most  admirable,  and  a  firmness  which  has  been  the 
inspiration  of  those  who  have  been  privileged  to  labor  with  him, 
he  has  continued  to  shape  its  policy,  conserve  its  interests,  secure 
the  co-operation  of  others,  and  to  give  freely  of  his  time  and  influ- 
ence in  extending  the  usefulness  of  the  work.  While  his  financial 
help  has  been  of  no  small  proportions,  yet  his  other  gifts  have  out- 
weighed it.  If  the  Department  holds  a  high  place  in  public  esti- 
mation it  is  largely  due  to  his  leadership  and  devotion.  He  is  en- 
tirely unconscious  of  his  vast  executive  powers,  and  seems  to  labor 
but  with  one  object  in  view — that  of  performing  his  duties  well. 
He  is  a  man  of  deep  religious  convictions,  which  find  decided  expres- 
sion in  quiet  benevolence. 

With  signal  ability,  rare  self-abnegation  and  masterly  hand 
he  has  so  directed  the  organization  and  shaped  the  machinery  of 
the  Department  that  in  the  days  to  come  the  personal  influence 
of  the  leader  will  be  of  less  importance  than  the  workings  of  the 
committees,  under  well-seasoned  and  well-directed  chairmen,  in 
which  he  inculcated  the  spirit  of  incentive  and  action. 

The  opening  of  the  season's  work  was  marked  by  a  very  success- 
ful reception  tendered  the  members  of  the  Department  and  other 
employes  of  the  Company,  on  Monday  evening,  October  2.  The 
exercises,  of  a  formal  nature,  were  conducted  in  the  auditorium, 
and  embraced  the  introduction  of  the  new  Chairman  of  the  Depart- 
ment, Mr.  W.  A.  Patton.  An  enthusiastic  greeting  was  accorded 
by  the  large  audience  of  men,  as,  in  response  to  fitting  words  of 
introduction  by  First  Vice-Chairman  Wilson,  Mr.  Patton  acknowl- 
edged in  modest  terms  his  sense  of  the  responsibility  which  accep- 

150 


tance  of  the  office  imposed.  His  outline  of  the  poHcy  of  the  Depart- 
ment was  brief  and  forceful;  he  paid  a  delicate  and  cordial  tribute 
to  the  work  of  the  former  Chairman,  Mr.  Latta,  and  his  reference 
to  the  presence  of  Vice-President  Charles  E.  Pugh  called  forth  great 
applause,  which  Mr.  Pugh  acknowledged  by  rising  and  bowing. 

Rev.  Charles  R.  Erdman,  in  his  happiest  vein,  sounded  the  key- 
note for  the  season's  effort,  "  the  unity  of  the  work. "  Special  music 
was  rendered  by  the  Grace  Ladies'  Quartet  and  Mr.  Paul  J.  Gilbert. 
After  the  announcements,  the  audience  adjourned  to  the  various 
parts  of  the  building  to  participate  in  the  inauguration  of  different 
departments  of  the  work,  including  the  air-brake  plant  (demon- 
stration by  Mr.  J.  A.  Alexander,  of  Altoona),  musical  organizations, 
evening  classes,  Junior  Department,  etc.  Refreshments  were 
served  by  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary. 

Mr.  William  J.  Latta  was  elected  an  honorary  member  of  the 
Department  with  all  the  privileges,  and  Mr.  Max  Riebenack  was 
elected  as  his  successor  on  the  Advisory  Board. 

A  special  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Managenemt  was  held  in  the 
Assembly  Room,  Broad  Street  Station,  Friday  afternoon,  Novem- 
ber 10,  1899,  at  four  o'clock,  Chairman  Patton  presiding. 

Mr.  John  B.  Stauflfer  having  resigned  from  the  service  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  tendered  his  resignation  as  a 
member  of  the  Board  of  Management  and  as  Treasurer  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, whereupon  the  following  preamble  and  resolution  were 
unanimously  adopted : 

Whereas,  John  B.  Stauffer,  after  a  long  and  honorable  service 
in  the  employ  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  has  resigned 
to  accept  employment  elsewhere,  and  by  reason  of  that  fact  has 
resigned  his  position  as  a  member  and  Treasurer  of  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation of  Philadelphia;    be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  Board  of  Management  of  said  Department 
severs  the  official  ties  with  the  deepest  regret,  and  in  recognition 
of  his  valuable  services,  both  as  a  member  and  officer  of  the  Depart- 
ment, hereby  elects  him  an  honorary  member  therein,  and  wish 
him  "godspeed"  in  all  his  undertakings. 

Mr.  Henry  P.  Conner's  name  was  suggested,  and  after  compli- 
mentary remarks  by  Mr.  Patton,  Mr.  Wilson,  Mr.  Justice  and  Mr. 
Hungerford,  showing  the  universal  esteem  in  which  he  was  held, 
he  was  unanimously  chosen  Treasurer  of  the  Department. 

151 


The  Committeemen's  Tea,  held  in  the  lecture-room  on  the 
evening  of  December  1,  and  presided  over  by  Chairman  Patton, 
was  the  largest  attended  and  the  most  important  one  that  had 
ever  been  held.  The  reports  from  twenty-one  chairmen  who  were 
present  showed  not  only  that  the  deepest  earnestness  in  the  work 
prevailed  throughout  the  Department,  but  that  the  men  themselves 
had  progressed  along  higher  lines  and  displayed  a  sense  of  loftier 
ideals  as  to  what  constitutes  man  and  his  duty  to  his  fellows.  Rev. 
Dr.  Macintosh,  Rev.  Charles  R.  Erdman  and  Mr.  Walter  C.  Douglas 
were  present  and  delivered  encouraging  addresses.  They  expressed 
themselves  as  feeling  deeply  conscious  of  the  strong  force  that 
the  committeemen  represented,  not  only  in  their  employment 
but  in  their  lives,  and  spoke  strongly  of  the  far-reaching  influence 
of  the  efforts  they  were  making.  Mr.  Douglas  said  that  the  re- 
ligious movement  among  railroad  men  was  the  most  stupendous 
missionary  movement  in  the  nineteenth  century,  characterizing 
it  as  the  romance  of  religious  effort. 

The  following  statistics  illustrate  the  extent  of  the  work  for 
1899: 

Religious   Work. 


Sundays _ 

Thursdays — .. 

Cottage - _.-. 

Sunday  Bible  class 

Thursday  Bible  class. 

Special  meetings 

Bible  lectures 

Totals - 


Meetings. 

Attendance, 

53 

35,004 

23 

496 

22 

400 

52 

445 

51 

479 

10 

1,352 

3 

750 

214 

38,926 

Entkrtainment  and   Social. 


Star  Course..— — — 

Special  entertainments 

Receptions,  sociables,  etc.... 

Lectures _ — 

Committee  teas _ _. 

Committee  meetings 

Totals - 


Meetings, 

Attendance, 

14 

10,250 

11 

5,420 

21 

6,740 

14 

3,082 

5 

431 

50 

586 

115         27,229 


152 


Music   Department. 


Banjo  Club _ 

Banjo  Class _ 

Sunday  Chorus — 

Sunday  Chorus  rehearsals 

Glee  Club _ _ _ _ 

Choral  Society. _ 

Sight  singing _ _ 


Totals 139 


Meetings. 

Attendance, 

24 

283 

9 

45 

39 

1,269 

14 

355 

12 

180 

9 

287 

32 

540 

2,959 


Athletics. 

Attendance  of  Seniors  using  gymnasium _ 4,536 

Attendance  of  Seniors  using  grounds- _.  6,061 

Attendance  of  Seniors  using  bowling  alley _ _.  2,.500 

Attendance  of  Seniors  using  shuffleboards _ 17,500 

Visitors  to  gymnasium _ _ 6,500 

Visitors  to  athletic  grounds _ _ _ 13,420 

Totals _ _— — _ -  50,576 


Educational   Department. 

Sessions.  Attendance. 

Penmanship _— _— 23  426 

Arithmetic _ _— _— _— -  22  366 

Grammar. —  23  189 

Spelling _ — _ -— 23  186 

Bookkeeping _.._ _.._ .-._ _..- 23  158 

Stenography  and  typewriting _ _.  47  1,418 

Mechanical  drawing — 45  413 

Telegraphy _ 48  337 


Totals. 


254 


2,493 


Air-Brake   Department. 


Lessons. 

89 


Attendance. 

3,518 


Library. 

Volumes  in  library. - 

Periodicals  in  reading-room.- 

Volumes  added  during  year 

Volumes  circulated  during  year 


7,485 

57 

230 

10,007 


153 


Junior    Department. 

Sessions.  Attendance. 

At  rooms —  15,245 

Religious  services _ 29  1,960 

Senior  Bible  class — _— — - -  42  411 

Junior  Bible  class _ — _ — - -  23  572 

Socials  and  entertainments —  21  2,057 

Gymnasium  classes —  —  2,502 

Outings - - — - — - - 18  1,304 

Lectures — 5  343 

Games  at  athletic  grounds— - 36  2,872 

Exercising  at  athletic  grounds _ - _  1,190 

Educational  classes — - 48  530 


Totals - -— — - — - 222         28,986 

Financial. 

Receipts — - — _ - $34,030.82 

Expenditures _ _.     33,594.77 


THE  DECADE  1900-1909. 

At  the  close  of  the  year  1899  the  Department  had  passed  through 
the  periods  of  formation  and  organization  and  was  in  full  and  suc- 
cessful operation.  Ample  facilities  had  been  provided  for  its  varied 
and  various  activities.  Its  management  was  strong  and  resource- 
ful and  its  committees  were  composed  of  earnest,  active  men.  Every- 
where could  be  seen  evidences  that  its  members  were  rapidly  ad- 
vancing in  morals,  intellect  and  physique.  The  railroad  service 
showed  a  decided  uplift  and  the  community  experienced  benefit 
from  the  movement.  The  fame  of  the  Department  was  widespread. 
Its  phenomenal  growth  and  activity  so  impressed  the  leaders  of 
the  Young  Men's  Christian  Associations  throughout  the  land  that 
it  was  decided  that  an  International  Conference  should  be  held  in 
its  building.  So  it  came  to  pass  that  the  most  notable  event  in 
which  the  Department  was  a  participant  was  the  meeting  in  its 
building  of  the  "Tenth  International  Conference  of  the  Railroad 
Department  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association,"  held 
October  11  to  14,  1900. 

The  Conference  awakened  a  strong  popular  interest  and  at- 
tracted the  attention  of  the  governments  of  the  world.  The  Rus- 
sian and  German  authorities  gave  it  recognition,  and  sent  repre- 
sentatives, not  only  to  aid  in  its  discussions,  but  also  to  study  its 
effects  upon  railroad   men  in  the  United  States.     The  movement 

154 


RICHARD  C.  MORSE, 

General  Secretary. 


CLARENCE  J.   HICKS, 

Associate  General  Secretary. 


H.  O.  WILLIAMS, 

Railroad  Secretary. 


INTERNATIONAL  SECRETARIES. 


which  the  Conference  represented  was  and  remains  in  its  moral, 
material  and  political  bearings  perhaps  the  most  important  one  of 
the  age.  The  delegates  who  attended  it  represented  railroad  men 
in  all  of  the  different  phases  of  railroad  employment;  men  who 
were  in  constant  touch  with  the  traffic  of  continents,  and  familiar 
with  industrial  and  trade  conditions  and  their  requirements.  In 
their  home  communities  they  were  interested  in  moral,  material  and 
physical  prosperity,  and  nothing  so  chained  their  attention  as  the 
mobilization  of  the  railroad  men  under  the  supervision  of  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  for  the  purpose  of  advancing  such 
prosperity. 

The  entertainment  of  the  Conference  by  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  Department  of  Philadelphia  involved  a  vast  amount  of 
detailed  work  before  it  assembled,  during  its  sessions  and  after 
it  adjourned,  and  was  successfully  carried  out  without  a  hitch. 
This  was  due  to  several  facts,  chief  of  which  were  a  wise  distribu- 
tion of  the  work  among  many  committees,  the  esprit  du  corps  which 
characterizes  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  employes,  the  civic  pride 
of  the  Philadelphian,  and  the  spirit  of  the  event.  The  work  was 
not  that  of  any  one  man  or  any  one  committee,  but  was  the  har- 
monious act  of  the  Department  in  its  personal  entirety.  Each 
member  felt  that  upon  himself  as  an  individual  depended  success, 
and  he  moved  accordingly.  The  preparation  of  the  building  and 
its  decoration,  the  procuring  of  homes,  hotels  and  boarding-houses 
in  which  to  entertain  the  visitors,  the  collection  of  funds  to  pay  the 
expenses  of  entertainments,  the  promotion  of  publicity  through  the 
secular  and  religious  press,  the  making  provision  for  local  trans- 
portation to  and  from  the  Conference  hall,  the  conducting  of 
visitors  to  places  of  public  interest,  the  procuring  of  a  suitable  badge, 
the  reception,  ushering  and  caring  for  the  delegates  whilst  in  the 
building  and  assigning  them  to  their  places  of  entertainment,  and 
preparing  the  luncheons  in  the  gynmasium,  all  called  forth  the  full 
energies  of  hundreds  of  willing  men  and  splendid  women — 1420 
delegates,  strangers  to  the  city,  were  greeted  and  sheltered  and 
hospitably  furnished.  Of  these  140  were  entertained  in  homes  and 
650  at  boarding-houses  and  hotels  free  of  cost  to  themselves,  the 
balance  preferring  to  pay  their  own  bills.  It  is  a  source  of  great 
gratification  to  state  that  the  last  delegate  hardly  left  the  city 
before  every  bill  incurred  by  the  committees  in  providing  for  the 
Conference  had  been  paid.  There  was  no  aftermath  of  dispute, 
discussion,  discord,  discontentment  and  debt  which  follows  so  many 

155 


large  gatherings  of  people,  nor  was  there  any  disposition  to  boast  of 
the  performance,  all  feeling  that  the  Department,  actuated  by  a 
proper  Christian  spirit,  had  simply  done  its  duty,  faithfully  carrying 
out  the  scriptural  injunctions  of  loving  thy  neighbor  and  caring 
for  the  stranger  within  the  gates.  It  would  be  unjust  to  mention 
in  commendation  individuals  or  committees,  but  an  exception 
should  be  made  in  the  case  of  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary.  In  promoting 
the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  movement  throughout  the 
world  there  is  perhaps  no  interior  human  force  in  the  organization 
that  possesses  more  power  than  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary.  As  devoted 
as  were  the  women  who  followed  Jesus  Christ  to  the  cross  and  to 
whom  he  first  appeared  after  the  resurrection,  they  are  tireless  in 
quiet  but  efficient  work.  Their  encouragement  at  times  has  inspired 
a  halting  movement  to  put  on  increased  activity  and  push  forward 
to  success.  They  devote  time,  means  and  ability  in  an  unostenta- 
tious but  boundless  manner  to  further  the  end  of  making  Christians 
of  men  and  casting  sunshine  into  their  lives.  The  local  auxiliary  is 
a  high  standard  of  the  universal  class,  and  all  those  who  saw  that 
band  of  noble  women  and  the  bountiful  manner  in  which  they  fed 
the  hungry  during  the  days  of  the  Conference  bore  testimony  to  the 
beautiful  characters  they  displayed  in  carrying  on  the  work  which 
seemed  to  the  observer  to  be  almost  overburdensome.  Each 
woman  was  within  her  sphere  a  Helen  Gould  or  a  Sophie  Schild- 
lovsky,  and  each  delegate  carried  to  his  own  home  a  loving  remem- 
brance of  their  kindness  and  care. 

The  committees  assigned  to  the  work  were  constituted  as  follows: 

Executive  Committee. 

William  A.  Patton,  George  H.  Grone, 

Chairman.  Walter  C.  Douglas, 

William  B.  Wilson,  A.  K.  Hubbard, 

Chas.  R.  Towson. 

Committee  on  Devotional  Work. 

Walter  C.  Douglas,  C.  G.  Cadwallader, 

Chairman.  G.  H.  Hungerford, 

D.  W.  Freas,  W.  H.  George. 

Press  Committee. 

William  B.  Wilson,  Charles  C.  Kinney, 

Chairman.  J.  N.  Purviance. 

156 


Committee  of  Arrangements. 


George  H.  Grone, 


Chairman. 


A.  E.  Hubbard, 

Secretary. 


Sub-Committees. 
Finance. 


J.  N.  Purviance, 

Chairman. 
H.  P.  Conner, 
Walter  C.  Douglas, 


Montgomery  Smith, 
Robert  S.  Beatty, 
O.  J.  De  Rousse, 
Wm.  Hammersley, 


J.  K.  Rynier. 


Committee  on  Entertainment. 


J.  A.  Keesberry, 

Chairman. 
Naylor  C.  Davis, 
Alfred  E.  Hubbard, 
D.  W.  Freas, 
C.  B.  Nixon, 
R.  Iv.  Hannum, 
W.  H.  Weil, 
Dr.  A.  P.  Weaver, 
W.  H.  George, 
Joseph  Justice, 
J.  K.  Rynier, 
W.  T.  Adams, 
Wesley  P.  Wimer, 
S.  W.  Crowe, 
John  M.  Doran, 
Geo.  W.  Gill, 
Geo.  H.  Middleton, 
A.  A.  Brehm, 
J.  C.  Sithens, 
C.  H,  Sloane, 
Edwin  J.  Smith, 
WilHam  Smith, 
Samuel  A.  Knowles, 


W.  W.  Berry, 
W.  A.  Murdock, 
Alfred  McMinn, 
W.  B.  Kraft, 
Alonzo  IvOtt, 
William  Weest, 
R.  M.  Naglee, 
S.  W.  White, 
C.  A.  Baker, 
L.  C.  Nainfold, 
R.  P.  Andrews, 
Emanuel  Meng, 
George  H.  Marcy, 
R.  F.  Buffington, 
John  Weigle, 
T.  B.  Essick, 
Frank  Farrell, 
S.  D.  Mansfield, 
Morris  J.  Strock, 
Jacob  Leslie, 
James  McConkey, 
C.  V.  Dealey, 
Elam  Chryst, 
Samuel  Johnson, 
A.  C.  Heston. 


157 


Reception  at  Station. 


William  Hammersley, 

Chairman. 
James  F.  Smith, 
J.  E.  Williams, 
R.  Iv.  Hannum, 
Alfred  McMinn, 
J.  C.  Webb, 
W.  H.  Keeler, 
H.  C.  Stackhouse, 
A.  Iv.  Wheeler, 


R.  J.  McClain, 
J.  K.  Rynier, 
T.  B.  Essick, 
William  Weest, 
A.  A.  Brown, 
J.  D.  Haines, 
Naylor  C.  Davis, 
Samuel  Johnson, 
C.  G.  Cadwallader, 
William  T.  Adams. 


Committee  on  Transportation. 


Robert  S.  Beatty, 

Chairman. 
Chas.  C.  Kinney, 
R.  h.  Hannum, 
John  If.  Hamill, 
G.  W.  Kellner, 
E.  C.  Green, 
H.  C.  Stackhouse, 
George  H.  Grone, 
Joseph  Richardson, 


Prof.  J.  W.  Sims, 
W.  R.  Reynolds, 
B.  Grant  Booser, 
Joseph  D.  Haines, 
Geo.  C.  Bartlett,  Jr., 
H.  A.  Darnell, 
Dr.  H.  C.  Mace, 
A.  A.  Brehm, 
Joseph  T.  Berry, 
G.  W.  Pearson. 


Committee  on  Printing  and  Invitation. 


Charles  C.  Kinney, 

Chairman. 
F.  D.  Kinney, 


Joseph  T.  Berry, 
Thomas  McKittrick, 
Walter  H.  Barry. 


Committee  on  Souvenir. 


A.  E.  Hubbard, 

Chairman. 
H.  T.  Wilkins, 


R.  N.  Dunburow, 
A.  A.  Brown, 
Nathan  Spering. 


158 


House  Committee. 


Roger  Hendley, 

Chairman. 
S.  C.  Pearson, 
James  McConkey, 
Wm.  Weest, 
A.  McMinn, 


M. 


J,  M.  Doran, 
Frank  Farrell, 
J.  K.  Rynier, 
Joseph  Justice, 
J.  B.  Baker,  Jr., 
W.  T.  Brown, 
A.  Golden. 


Decoration  Committee. 


Samuel  Johnson, 

Chairman. 


J.  F.  Purse, 
Albert  Balmer. 


C.  B.  Nixon, 

Chairman 
Henry  Deringer, 
H.  L.  Palmer, 
John  Weigle, 
J.  W.  Sleator, 
John  Skelton, 
E.  Meng, 
G.  W.  Gill, 
Wm.  Chryst, 
Frank  Farrell, 

D.  W.  Kerr, 
T.  J.  Smith, 
Elam  Chryst, 

E.  W.  Killey, 
L.  H.  Ewing, 
Alonzo  Lott, 
O.  J.  lyockhart, 
G.  B.  Hunt, 


Reception  Committee. 

W.  E.  Raibley, 
H.  F.  Brooks, 
Leon  Siter, 
Arthur  Lindsay, 
H.  S.  Tarboss, 
E.  Snodgrass, 
Phil  O'Garrahan, 
Wm.  J.  Murdock, 
H.  C.  McKnight, 
J.  E.  Butz, 
Al  Bergs tresser, 
Crawford  Justice, 
E.  S.  Devere, 
Eugene  Kelley, 
Edward  Meade, 
J.  D.  Haines, 
Eugene  Vickers, 
Alfred  McMinn, 
Harry  Hennessey, 
Clarence  Rambo. 


Mrs.  Gill, 

Chairman. 


Woman's  Auxiliary. 


159 


The  following  appeals  were  sent  to  all  the  clergy  of  Philadelphia 
by  Walter  C.  Douglas,  and  to  the  members  and  friends  of  the  Depart- 
ment by  William  A.  Patton: 

"Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: — The  Tenth  International  Confer- 
ence of  the  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  will  be  held  with  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Depart- 
ment in  Philadelphia,  October  11  to  14,  1900. 

"It  is  expected  that  there  will  be  a  thousand  delegates  in 
attendance  from  the  United  States  and  Canada,  with  delegates  from 
England,  Scotland,  Russia  and  other  foreign  countries.  There  will 
be  many  railroad  officials  and  workers  of  ability,  experience  and 
excellent  platform  powers.  It  will  be  the  greatest  manifestation 
of  the  power  and  growth  of  Christianity  among  workingmen  that 
this  or  any  other  country  has  seen.  It  will  be  intensely  interesting 
as  a  study  of  a  great  religious  movement,  and  we  believe  will  be 
followed  by  marked  extension  of  its  power  in  Philadelphia  and 
throughout  the  entire  country. 

"We  beg  to  call  your  attention  to  it  at  this  time  with  the  hope 
that  you  will  put  it  upon  your  diary  for  the  fall,  and  favor  the  Con- 
ference with  your  presence.  We  feel  assured  that  a  study  of  its 
practical  features  and  of  the  value  of  Christianity  in  great  business 
and  corporate  movements  will  be  of  interest,  and  we  seek  and  will 
value  the  suggestions  of  clergymen  above  all  others  in  the  continu- 
ance of  the  work. 

"Yours  very  respectfully, 

"Walter  C.  DougIvAs, 

"Chairman  Devotional  Committee." 


"Philadelphia,  July  23,  1900. 

"Dear  Sir: — We  have  pleasure  in  calling  your  attention  to 
the  Tenth  International  Conference  of  the  Railroad  Department  of 
the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  North  America,  to  be 
held  with  our  Association,  October  11-14,  1900, 

"This  Conference  will  bring  together  more  than  eight  hundred 
railroad  men  from  all  ranks  of  service  and  from  all  parts  of  our  own 
country  and  from  foreign  lands. 

"The  object  will  be  to  get  a  comprehensive  view  of  the  rapidly 
increasing  work  of  the  Association  upon  the  railroads  of  this  and 
other  lands.    When  your  Committee  of  Management  extended  the 

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invitation  to  this  great  body,  it  was  with  the  thought  that  there 
would  be  a  peculiar  fitness  in  having  the  Conference  held  with 
this  Department,  inasmuch  as  Philadelphia  as  a  railroad  centre 
offers  special  attractions  to  railroad  men,  and  because  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad  Department  of  Philadelphia  has  the  largest  building 
and  in  some  respects  the  largest  work  conducted  by  any  Association 
in  the  interest  of  railroad  men. 

"Plans  are  being  laid  for  making  the  occasion  all  that  it  should 
be  for  our  visitors  and  ourselves.  It  is  with  this  in  view  that  we 
especially  invite  your  interest  and  co-operation.  There  will  be 
much  need  for  personal  service  and  financial  aid  from  our  member- 
ship, and  we  write  thus  early  to  ask  that  you  will  join  in  the  purpose 
under  Divine  guidance  to  make  the  occasion  a  great  success,  and 
that  when  you  are  appealed  to  by  any  of  the  various  committees 
you  will  do  all  in  your  power  to  forward  the  work. 

"Yours  fraternally, 

"W.  A,  Patton,  Chairman." 

Before  the  opening  of  the  Conference  Mr.  A.  J.  Cassatt  was  asked 
for  an  expression  of  opinion  as  to  the  work  being  carried  on  by  the 
Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association, 
to  which  he  replied  as  follows  • 

The  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company. 

OFifiCE  OF  THE  President, 
Philadelphia,  September  29,  1900. 
Mr.  Wm.  B.  Wilson, 

Chairman,  Publication  Committee,  P.  R.  R.  Branch,  Y.  M.  C.  A., 
41st  Street  and  Westminster  Avenue,  Philadelphia, 

Dear  Sir: — In  reply  to  3'our  inquiry  I  beg  to  say  that  I  am 
in  full  sympathy  and  accord  with  the  work  which  is  being  so  suc- 
cessfully carried  on  by  the  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association.  From  observation  I  am  satisfied  that 
excellent  results,  from  the  standpoint  of  the  employes  as  well  as 
of  the  Company,  are  being  accomplished  through  this  agency,  and 
the  members  of  the  various  Railroad  Branches  along  our  lines  have 
my  best  wishes  for  the  continued  success  of  the  work.     I  am 

Yours  very  truly, 

A.  J.  Cassatt,  President. 
161 


The  Coni^erence;. 

The  Conference  was  practically  opened  when  over  fifteen  hun- 
dred people  from  all  parts  of  the  United  States — North,  South,  East 
and  West — from  the  Dominion  of  Canada,  and  the  Maritime  Prov- 
inces, together  with  representatives  from  far-away  Russia  and  the 
German  and  Japanese  Empires,  were  formally  received  by  the  Ladies' 
Auxiliary  and  the  visiting  ladies  from  the  Auxiliary  of  the  Inter- 
national Committee,  on  Thursday  evening,  October  11,  the  receiving 
ladies  being  Madame  Sophie  Schidlovsky,  Mrs.  Russell  Sage,  Miss 
Helen  M.  Gould,  Mrs.  A.  J.  Cassatt,  Mrs.  Charles  E.  Pugh,  Mrs. 
Morse,  Mrs.  Lougee,  Miss  O'Neill,  Mrs.  Munn,  Mrs.  Gill  and  Mrs. 
Killey.  They  were  assisted  by  William  B.  Wilson,  Charles  R.  Towson, 
Robert  S.  Beatty,  William  Hammersley,  Charles  C.  Kinney,  Jefferson 
Justice  and  Charles  G.  Cadwallader.  The  reception  took  place  in 
the  reading-room  attached  to  the  library,  which  was  beautifully 
decorated  with  bunting,  palms  and  ferns.  It  was  delightfully 
animating  as  the  long  line  of  men  with  bronzed  faces  and  hardened 
hands  filed  by  to  receive  the  loving  welcome  of  these  noble  women 
— women  who  believe  that  woman's  mission  is  to  cheer,  comfort, 
help  and  encourage  man  to  higher  aims  and  loftier  ideals.  During 
the  reception  soul-inspiring  music  was  rendered  by  the  orchestra 
under  the  direction  of  Emil  F.  Schmidt,  of  Philadelphia,  lately  of 
Shell's  Orchestra.  Besides  the  music  by  the  orchestra,  the  Glee 
Club  of  the  local  department  sang  virile  choruses,  stirring  hymns, 
which  filled  the  building  with  spiritual  melody.  As  the  delegates 
passed  up  the  stairway  to  the  reception  room  the  club  sang: 

"We're  marching  upward  to  Zion, 
The  beautiful  city  of  God." 

This  was  followed  by  the  chorus  "When  the  Roll  is  Called 
Up  Yonder  I'll  be  There,"  and  Fanny  Crosby's  ever-beautiful  hymn, 
"Saved  by  Grace."  The  delegates  passed  from  the  reception-room 
to  the  gymnasium  floor,  where  they  were  served  by  the  Ladies' 
Auxiliary  en  masse  with  a  substantial  repast.  At  half-past  seven 
o'clock  the  delegates  assembled  in  the  auditorium,  which  had  been 
tastefully  decorated  with  bunting  gracefully  festooned,  exotic 
plants  and  flags  of  all  nations,  intertwined  with  the  flag  of  the  United 
States  and  ropes  of  electric  lights  in  red,  white  and  green — those 
being  the  colors  of  the  local  department  and  possessed  of  double 
significance,  red  being  the  railroad  color,  signifying  danger,  white 
safety  and  green  caution,  whilst  in  spiritual  significance  red  repre- 

162 


CHARLES  E.  PUGH, 
First  Vice-President,  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  1909  to  date. 
Entered  the  service  October  1,  1859. 


sents  love,  white  purity,  and  green  immortality.  The  platform  was 
ornamented  with  potted  palms  and  festoons  of  flowers.  As  the 
delegates  were  gathering,  C.  B.  Willis,  of  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin, 
conducted  a  testimony  meeting,  a  large  number  of  the  delegates 
reciting  special  passages  of  Scripture  which  they  had  found  helpful 
in  their  lives  and  work.  Just  as  the  hour  arrived  for  formally  open- 
ing the  Conference  Mrs.  A.  J.  Cassatt  and  Mrs.  Charles  B.  Pugh 
entered  upon  the  platform  from  the  rear,  accompanied  by  Mrs.  Sage 
and  Miss  Gould.  As  these  ladies  appeared  the  vast  assemblage 
greeted  them  with  tumultuous  applause,  which  continued  for  several 
minutes.  Upon  its  subsidence  Clarence  J.  Hicks,  Supervising 
General  Secretary  of  the  Railroad  Department  of  the  International 
Committee,  called  upon  Lucien  C.  Warner,  in  the  absence  of  Col. 
John  J.  McCook,  to  act  as  Chairman.  Mr.  Warner  called  the  Con- 
ference to  order  and  requested  Thomas  Owen,  from  the  Duluth  & 
Iron  Range  Railroad,  to  open  with  prayer,  upon  the  conclusion  of 
which  he  presented  Mr.  Charles  E.  Pugh,  Second  Vice-President  of 
the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company.  When  the  hearty  applause 
which  greeted  him  as  he  proceeded  to  the  front  of  the  platform  had 
ceased  Mr.  Pugh  addressed  the  Conference  as  follows : 

"Ladies  and  GentlEmejn  : — It  should  bean  easy  thing  to  wel- 
come people  when  the  pleasure  of  greeting  them  is  a  genuine  one; 
and  yet,  while  the  latter  is  most  emphatically  the  case  tonight,  I  find 
facing  this  large  audience  a  situation  to  which  I  scarcely  feel  equal. 
Kindly  remember  that  I  am  but  a  pronoun,  and  stand  in  the  place 
of  your  President  whose  recent  overwhelming  sorrow  makes  it  im- 
possible for  him  to  be  here  tonight.  The  members  of  this  particular 
Association  know  how  he  has  planned  and  worked  for  this  hour,  and 
how  much  he  hopes  for  the  Association  as  the  result  of  this  gathering. 
The  members  of  this  branch  of  the  Railroad  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  know  how  Mr.  Patton  and  the  former  President,  the 
officers  of  today  and  of  former  years,  down  to  the  very  humblest 
one  of  your  membership,  have  worked  to  make  the  Association 
a  Living  Thing;  how  much  rain  and  heat  they  have  gone  through; 
how  many  discouragements  they  have  overcome  before  an  en- 
vironment and  an  occasion  like  the  present  could  be  a  possible 
thing.  Some  of  us  feel  (and  ought  to  feel)  tonight  that  we  are  stand- 
ing upon  an  island  on  which  the  patient  corals  have  for  years  been 
toiling;  but  once  here  we  do  not  intend  to  move  off. 

"It  has  been  said  that  corporations  are  selfish;  and  it  has  been 

163 


intimated  in  my  hearing  that  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company 
is  grasping.  However  that  may  be,  of  one  thing  I  am  quite  sure: 
it  wants  the  best  steel  rails,  the  best  bridges,  the  best  equipment 
and  the  best  men.  Right  in  this  building  and  others  of  analogous 
character  on  its  lines,  and  within  the  bounds  of  your  organization, 
is  found  the  machinery  to  turn  out  the  kind  of  men  the  railroad 
wants  and  the  world  needs.  Good  men  can  be  happy  and  indus- 
trious and  faithful  and  wear  longer  and  better  than  any  other  kind. 
They  are  the  kind  that  have  ideals  and  inspirations  to  keep  them 
from  falling  by  the  way.  I  believe  more  and  more  that  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  has  in  its  power  the  ability  to  uplift 
the  ideals  and  to  keep  alive  the  inspirations  that  the  early  home- 
life  began.  It  is  to  many  and  many  a  young  man  the  mother-hand 
that  reaches  out  to  save;  and  why?  Because  here  the  twin  sisters. 
Morality  and  Education,  receive  their  guidance  from  The  True 
Light — the  Shekinah  that  still  dwells  among  men  and  manifests 
itself  in  believing  hearts. 

"We  live  in  a  practical  world  and  a  practical  age,  so  I  will 
'nail  these  few  thoughts, '  as  Burns  has  said,  with  Scripture:  'God- 
liness is  profitable  unto  all  things,  both  for  the  life  that  now  is  and 
for  that  which  is  to  come;'  and  it  finds  its  illustration  right  here. 

"The  Pennsylvania  Railroad  may  be  considered  generous  in 
the  support  it  has  given  financially  to  the  Railroad  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association.  That  institution  in  turn  should  be  looked 
upon  as  one  of  its  wisest  investments — paying  interest  daily  in 
improved  physical,  mental  and  moral  natures  of  men — a  growing 
interest,  the  sum  of  which  can  be  fully  computed  only  on  the  Great 
Day  of  Reckoning. 

"It  is  certainly  a  significant  gathering  that  is  represented  here 
tonight — one  increasing  purpose  that  has  drawn  so  many  souls 
together.  Permit  me  to  have  the  honor  of  being  the  voice  of  the 
officers  of  the  road  and  the  officers  of  the  local  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  in  welcoming  most  warmly  all  the  strangers  from  far 
and  near  that  have  kindly  come  to  us  tonight. " 

Walter  C.  Douglas,  General  Secretary  of  Philadelphia,  then 
extended  a  welcome  from  the  associations,  churches  and  people 
of  the  city.  He  told  the  delegates  that  they  would  find  the  warmest 
welcome  they  had  ever  received.  During  the  course  of  his  remarks 
he  said:  "A  great  railroad  president  remarked  several  years  ago 
that  a  railroad  company  had  but  two  functions — to  transport 
freight  and  passengers.     I  believe  it  has  been  demonstrated  by  this 

164 


Association  that  it  has  other  functions — it  has  demonstrated  that 
in  the  machinery  and  equipment  of  a  great  corporation  it  has  made 
men.  I  trust  such  a  lesson  shall  go  out  from  this  meeting  that  other 
corporations  may  imitate  it."  Then  proceeding,  he  said  further: 
"I  think  it  safe  for  me  to  say  tonight  that  America  has  given  to 
the  world  in  its  railroad  men  the  finest  type  of  workingmen  that 
the  world  knows  today.  And  if  I  were  not  restrained  by  her  presence, 
if  I  were  to  give  utterance  to  the  thought  that  is  burning  in  my 
mind  at  this  moment,  and  in  the  breast  of  every  railroad  man  and 
every  American  soldier  and  sailor,  at  home  or  abroad,  I  would 
point  to  a  woman  who  is  here  tonight  and  say" — (At  this  point  the 
audience,  worked  up  to  an  enthusiastic  pitch,  and  recognizing 
Miss  Gould  in  the  reference,  broke  out  in  an  uproar  of  applause.) 

Alfred  E.  Marling,  of  the  International  Committee,  responded  to 
the  address  of  welcome,  and  ex-Governor  James  A.  Beaver  followed 
in  a  short  speech,  in  which  he  made  a  strong  appeal  for  personal 
and  individual  work  among  railroad  men  by  railroad  men,  and  com- 
mended the  work  already  accomplished.  The  Indiana  Association 
Quartette  sang  the  selection  "Peace,  Perfect  Peace,"  and  then 
Rev.  Dr.  Theodore  Cuyler,  of  New  York,  followed  with  the  principal 
address  of  the  evening.  As  he  arose  he  said,  "All  hail.  Brothers!" 
and  took  for  his  subject  "The  Religious  Life  of  Railroad  Men." 
On  opening  he  said:  "As  the  trains  you  manage  and  work  go  out 
to  carry  a  streak  of  sunshine  everywhere,  let  your  lives  go  out  to 
carry  light  to  others.  Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  not  for 
your  own  salvation,  but  to  save  others.  Don't  be  afraid  to  swing 
the  red  light  when  danger  is  ahead.  I  want  you  all  to  be  spiritual 
lamps  for  others'  salvation.  Carry  your  light  in  your  hat  like  miners. 
Touch  your  brother  on  the  shoulder,  for  there  is  no  power  so  great 
as  personal  fellowship  and  sympathy."  His  whole  address  was 
punctured  with  similes  taken  from  the  daily  life  of  railroad  workers. 

The  Conference  reassembled  at  10  o'clock  Friday  morning, 
and  was  opened  with  prayer  by  A.  M.  Bruner,  of  Illinois,  which  was 
followed  by  the  singing  of  hymns,  and  the  appointment  by  the 
Chairman  of  A.  P.  Gillette,  Secretary,  and  W.  H.  Groad  as  Assistant 
Secretary  of  the  Conference.  Mr.  D.  B.  Caldwell,  General  Trafiic 
Manager  of  the  Delaware,  Lackawanna  &  Western  Railroad, 
was  then  introduced  and  read  an  elaborate  paper  upon  the  subject 
of  "The  Railroad  Employe  as  a  Man." 

Mr.  Caldwell  said:  "There  is  an  impression  in  some  directions 
that  the  standards  of  character  among  the  rank  and  file  of  railroad 

165 


men,  because  of  the  nature  of  their  work  and  their  environment, 
are  not  so  high  as  those  in  the  general  business  world,  and  there  may 
be  some  among  the  railroad  fraternity  who  feel  that  the  nature  of 
their  work  is  not  as  conducive  to  the  development  of  character  as 
is  the  case  with  many  other  lines  of  general  business. 

"There  was  doubtless  a  time  in  the  pioneer  period  of  railroad 
construction  and  operation  when  the  railways  did  not  enter  so 
fully  into  the  life  and  plans  of  our  people,  and  make  up  so  largely 
the  commerce  of  our  nation  as  they  do  today,  when,  because  of 
limitations  created  by  exposure  and  exclusion  from  the  cultivating 
influences  of  society,  there  were  lower  standards  of  intelligence,  of 
habit  and  of  discipline  than  now  prevail,  such  as  to  justify  this  con- 
ception; but  today,  in  this  country,  when  railway  construction 
and  operation  have  become  almost,  if  not  altogether,  the  leading 
material  factors  in  our  civilization  and  progress;  when  the  railways 
constitute  nearly  one-fifth  of  the  total  wealth  of  the  country;  Avhen 
their  employes,  including  their  dependants,  embrace  nearly  one- 
fifth  of  the  population;  when  discipline,  like  that  of  an  army,  is 
required  for  the  safety  of  life  and  property — in  the  enforcement 
of  which  the  employe  is  equally  benefited — who  will  but  admit  that 
no  standard  of  character  is  too  high;  or  who,  among  those  who  are 
conversant  with  the  magnificent  service  rendered  by  our  railways, 
unequaled  anywhere  on  the  globe,  will  but  concede  that  railroad 
employes,  if  they  are  to  be  equal  to  their  responsibilities  and  oppor- 
tunities, must  measure  up  to  the  best  and  highest  standards  of  in- 
telligence, activity,  fidelity  and  all  of  those  traits  which  constitute 
strong,  self-reliant  and  forceful  manhood? 

"Great  interests  and  heavy  responsibilities  everywhere  call 
for  men  of  capacity  and  reliability,  and  surely  in  the  railway  world — 
in  finance,  construction  and  maintenance,  vast  in  scope  and  value, 
almost  beyond  comprehension;  in  traffic,  intricate  and  perplexing, 
the  structure  upon  which  is  builded  the  country's  commerce;  in 
operation,  involving  the  safe,  speedy  and  regular  transportation 
of  a  nation's  people  and  property — there  exists  a  demand  for  the 
best  qualities  of  mind,  muscle  and  heart  that  man  is  capable  of, 
and,  with  all  the  possibilities  of  his  profession — and  it  may  be  prop- 
erly so  termed — no  railway  employe  can  be  said  to  lack  for  incentive 
to  make  the  best  of  himself. 

"We  have  dwelt  somewhat  upon  these  features  of  opportunity 
and  possibility  because  so  large  a  proportion  of  railroad  employes 
occupy  what  to  many  of  them  may  seem  humble  positions.     To 

1 66 


all  such  should  come  the  words  of  Dr.  John  Hall:  'The  best  way 
for  a  man  to  get  out  of  a  lowly  position  is  to  be  conspicuously  effective 
in  it.'" 

Upon  the  conclusion  of  Mr.  Caldwell's  remarks  a  prayer  was 
offered  up  by  Frank  Pearsoll,  after  which  George  B.  Hodge  read  a 
paper  on  "The  Educational  Department,"  which  he  illustrated  with 
large  charts  showing  the  rapid  growth  of  the  educational  depart- 
ments of  the  Railroad  Association  by  the  mediumship  of  libraries, 
reading-rooms,  class-rooms  and  literary  societies. 

Mr.  Hodge  said:  "What  is  needed  most  today  is  not  more 
men,  but  better  trained  men.  No  corporation,  railroad  or  otherwise, 
can  be  better  than  the  men  that  administrate  it.  There  may  be 
much  in  the  system,  but  there  is  more  in  the  man.  The  most  success- 
ful railroad  men  today  are  those  that  study  the  needs  which  con- 
tribute to  the  success  of  their  work.  Each  year  it  is  harder  for  men 
to  get  on  in  the  world  without  some  knowledge  or  ability.  Each 
man  needs  to  improve  all  the  educational  opportunities  he  can  make 
use  of. "  He  then  instanced  how  such  improved  time  made  the  dis- 
tinguished men  of  the  present  and  past  generations.  In  emphasizing 
the  class  rooms  operated  by  railroad  associations,  in  which  nearly 
1500  men  were  enrolled  as  students,  he  complimented  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation of  Philadelphia  as  the  one  leading  all  of  the  others  in  the  num- 
ber of  international  certificates  won  in  the  recent  examination. 

At  11.30  the  Conference  adjourned  to  the  lawn,  when  group 
pictures  of  the  delegates  were  taken.  At  2  o'clock  the  afternoon 
session  began,  and  was  enthusiastic  and  spiritual  throughout. 
John  R.  Mott  gave  a  masterly  talk  on  "A  Knowledge  of  the  Bible 
Essential  to  Christian  Railroad  Men";  Augustus  Nash,  of  Cleveland, 
Ohio,  spoke  on  "Shop  Bible  Classes";  Fred.  S.  Goodman,  State 
Secretary  of  New  York,  on  "Bible  Study  among  Railroad  Men — 
Can  it  be  Carried  On,  and  How?"  and  Dr.  Wilbert  W.  White,  of  Mont- 
clair,  N.  J.,  on  "Bible  Study  and  Prayer."  At  the  evening  session, 
which  was  opened  at  7.30,  the  climax  of  the  Conference  was  reached. 
It  was  scheduled  as  "Railroad  Official  Evening,  "  and  made  memo- 
rable by  the  large  number  of  prominent  railroad  men  upon  the  plat- 
form. Flanked  and  grouped  around  Col.  John  J.  McCook,  who 
presided,  were:  President  A.  J.  Cassatt;  Vice-Presidents  John  P. 
Green  and  Charles  E.  Pugh;  Directors  N.  Parker  Shortridge  and  T. 
De  Witt  Cuyler;  Chief  of  Motive  Power  Theodore  N.  Ely;  Chief  En- 
gineer W.  H.  Brown,  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company;  Vice- 

167 


President  Theodore  Voorhees,  of  the  Philadelphia  &  Reading  Rail- 
way; President  W.  H.  Baldwin,  Jr.,  of  the  lyong  Island  Railroad; 
President  A.  D.  Smith,  of  the  Cornwall  8c  Lebanon  Railroad;  Vice- 
President  J.  B.  Garrett,  of  the  Lehigh  Valley  Railroad;  President 
George  W.  Stevens,  of  Chesapeake  &  Ohio  Railroad ;  Superintendent 
Thomas  Owens,  of  the  Duluth  &  Iron  Range  Railroad,  and  Super- 
intendent Charles  D.  Hammond,  of  the  Delaware  &  Hudson 
Railroad.  Among  others  who  were  prominent  were  William  J. 
Latta,  former  General  Agent  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad;  Judge 
James  A.  Beaver,  former  Governor  of  Pennsylvania;  Theodore 
Schidlovsky,  of  Moscow,  and  wife;  Nicholas  A.  Reitlinger,  of  St, 
Petersburg;  Paul  Glasenapp,  Engineer  Attache  of  the  Imperial 
German  Embassy  in  Washington;  Mrs.  Russell  Sage,  Miss  Helen 
M.  Gould,  Mrs.  A.  J.  Cassatt  and  Mrs.  Charles  E.  Pugh.  All  of 
these  people  were  called  forth  by  the  delegates  and  greeted  with 
an  ovation. 

The  principal  address  of  the  evening  was  made  by  Captain 
John  P.  Green,  First  Vice-President  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Company.  Captain  Green  spoke  gracefully  and  without  notes  as 
follows : 

"Mr.  Chairman,  Ladies  and  Gentle;me;n: — To  have  one's  age 
given  away  quite  as  completely  as  Colonel  McCook  has  given  mine  away 
is  especially  hard  this  evening,  for,  in  strict  confidence,  I  was  playing  a 
game  of  tennis  with  my  daughter  as  recently  as  this  afternoon.  She 
was  under  the  impression  that  I  was  a  comparatively  young  man  until 
Colonel  McCook  spoke.  I  am  glad  to  say,  however,  that  with  age 
always  comes  compensating  advantages.  I  have  not  only  had  the 
pleasure  of  Colonel  McCook 's  friendship  for  a  great  many  years,  but 
during  my  connection  with  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  I  have  known 
all  the  prominent  men  identified  with  railway  affairs  in  connection 
with  nearly  all  the  prominent  roads.  I  have  had  many  warm,  friends 
among  them,  and  have  seen  such  progress  in  all  the  railroads  of  the 
country  that  the  thing  that  brings  us  here  tonight  seems  to  be  the 
natural  result  of  a  course  of  thought  that  has  been  coming  on  for 
thirty-five  3'^ears  past,  and  is  tonight  evidenced  in  the  presence  of 
you  gentlemen  around  here.  It  is  impossible  to  look  around  a  room 
and  see  so  many  men  here  for  a  common  purpose  without  feeling 
that  there  must  be  something  vital  and  essential  in  all  that  purpose 
that  appeals  to  us  all,  and  shows  that  it  has  a  reason  for  existence. 

"It  is  not  necessary  to  say  that  everyone  is  proud  of  his  pro- 

168 


^^^K^^  ' 

■"1 

i 

IHH 

K^ 

I 

i 

■1 

^^^^^IB^^^^H 

1 

1 

1 

CAPT.   JOHN    P.  GREEN, 

First  Vice-President,  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  1897-1909. 
Entered  the"service  January  10,  1865. 


fession.  We  feel  that  this  is  the  great  profession  of  the  age,  a  calHng 
that  requires  intelHgence,  as  other  callings  do.  It  requires  devotion 
to  a  purpose  and  conscientious  performance  of  one's  duty,  in  order 
that  he  may  feel  that  he  is  living  a  proper  life  in  this  world.  It 
means  the  safety  of  millions  of  people,  and  the  protection  of  property 
also  depends  upon  us.  The  whole  civilization  of  the  country  has 
been  bettered  by  these  railways.  We  stand  here  today  on  what 
the  old  Roman  prided  himself  when  he  went  outside  of  the  Roman 
territory.  It  was  then  that  they  built  the  great  highways  which 
made  civilization  possible,  and  were  the  foundation  of  the  civilization 
which  we  see  today. 

"We  know  that  the  humblest  man  that  drives  the  spike  has 
his  part  to  perform  in  securing  the  safety  of  the  countless  trains 
that  traverse  this  country  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific,  and 
from  the  Great  Lakes  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  Every  man  has  his 
particular  duty  to  perform.  The  traveler  lying  in  a  Pullman  car, 
and  hearing  his  train  rumble  over  a  bridge,  knows  that  his  safety 
depends  upon  the  faithfulness  of  some  track-walker.  But  to  you 
it  is  just  as  important  that  that  man  should  have  done  his  work 
faithfully  as  that  the  highest  man  in  the  service  of  the  Company 
should  have  done  his.  Therefore,  everything  that  tends  to  raise  the 
standard  of  the  man's  occupation  tends  to  make  him  sober,  honest, 
self-respecting  and  conscientious.  That  is  as  near  fulfilling  the 
highest  form  of  morality  in  this  every-day  life  as  we  ever  get  in  this 
world. 

"  It  may  have  occurred  to  you,  as  it  has  to  me  again  and  again, 
why  is  it  necessary  that  in  doing  this  work  we  should  be  associated 
with  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association?  That  is  a  proper 
inquiry,  which  comes  to  us  all.  The  answer  is  an  easy  one.  It  is 
clear  that  there  is  no  sectarianism  about  it  ('  Amen '  and  great  ap- 
plause). The  Catholic,  the  Hebrew,  the  Protestant,  can  all  meet 
on  common  ground,  and  nothing  is  said  to  hurt  any  man's  feelings, 
or  make  him  feel  that  he  is  not  in  thorough  accord  with  the  Most 
High.  I  think  experience  has  shown  you  that  to  accomplish  any 
great  work  there  must  be  some  strong,  impelling  power  behind  it. 
We  may  say  there  is  charitable  work  to  be  done,  and  our  intentions 
are  most  admirable;  but  we  get  tired,  and  it  is  easy  to  stay  with 
one's  family,  and  say,  'We  will  do  that  tomorrow,'  and  tomorrow 
comes,  and  something  prevents.  We  must  have  behind  any  work 
a  feeling  of  duty  that  cannot  be  evaded.  You  must  feel  that  there 
is  work  to  be  done,  and  that  it  is  your  duty  to  do  it;  that  the  aim 

169 


we  have  is  to  do  it  today,  so  that  the  men  with  whom  you  are  asso- 
ciated will  feel  that  they  are  doing  their  duty  to  the  community 
and  to  the  company  with  which  they  are  connected.  Without  that 
a  man  cannot  live  happily  in  this  world;  and  therefore,  having  the 
Y.  M.  C.  A.  behind  us  to  give  us  that  which  gives  pungency  and 
influence,  and  puts  behind  us  a  force  which  pushes  us  to  the  front, 
it  makes  us  do  a  great  work,  not  only  for  ourselves,  but  for  the 
community. 

"There  are  others  here  who  are  going  to  speak,  but  I  need  not 
say  how  great  pleasure  it  gives  me  to  look  around  upon  you  all. 
I  feel  that  all  of  you  realize,  and  I  trust  that  the  other  members  of 
the  railroad  family,  representing  millions  of  men,  all  realize  that 
the  standard  of  our  profession,  our  hold  upon  the  world,  our  right 
to  be  the  leading  profession,  depends  upon  the  fact  that  every  man 
does  his  duty,  feeling  that  any  man,  no  matter  how  humble  his 
service  may  be,  may  feel  that  in  this  world  there  may  be  said  to 
him  what  the  Great  Teacher  has  said;  'You  have  been  faithful  in 
a  few  things,   I  shall  make  you  ruler  over  many.'" 

Then  followed  interesting  addresses  by  Nicholas  A.  Reitlinger 
and  Theodore  Schidlovsky,  of  Russia,  and  Paul  Glasenapp,  of  the 
German  Embassy,  the  first  in  well-chosen,  well-spoken  English, 
the  two  others  in  their  native  tongues.  After  Clarence  J.  Hicks 
had  read  extracts  from  numerous  letters  commending  the  move- 
ment, written  by  prominent  railroad  officials  throughout  the  United 
States  and  Canada,  President  W.  H.  Baldwin,  Jr.,  of  the  Long 
Island  Railroad,  was  called  upon  and  made  a  brief  address,  referring 
to  the  failure  of  non-supervised  methods  for  raising  the  moral  stan- 
dard of  railroad  men,  and  referred  to  the  supervision  of  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  as  a  saving  institution,  giving  to  the 
work  the  true  Christian  spirit  without  which  no  great  work  could  be 
accomplished.  The  addresses  for  the  day  were  closed  by  Colonel 
McCook,  who  emphasized  the  fact  that  love  for  Jesus  Christ  was  the 
underlying  spirit  of  the  whole  movement.  Whilst  he  rejoiced  in 
the  many  secular  advantages  provided  for  the  enjoyment  of  the 
members  by  the  Association,  he  recognized  that  the  Association's 
power  which  made  the  movement  mighty  was  its  influencing  men 
to  live  Christian  lives.  In  recognizing  the  great  support  given  to 
the  movement  by  railroad  officials  he  said  they  were  amply  repaid, 
that  they  were  far  better  served,  and  the  public  at  large  was  far  better 
served,  whenever  the  hand  which  held  the  throttle-lever  of  a  flying 
engine  belonged  to  a  sober  Christian  who  was  gathering  inspiration 

170 


for  his  daily  work  from  the  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association. 

The  morning  session  of  the  Conference  on  October  13  was 
opened  promptly  on  time.  H.  O.  Williams  presided,  and  the  after- 
noon session  was  devoted  to  Bible  study  and  giving  testimony. 
J.  M.  Burwick  spoke  on  "Shop  and  Cottage  Meetings,"  Robert 
Weidensall  on  "Special  Evangelistic  Work,"  C.  W.  Messenger  on 
the  "Evangelistic  Work"  along  the  Burlington  Route,  and  Frederick 
B.  Smith  on  the  "  Importance  of  Organization."  Chairman  Williams 
announced  the  following  Committee  on  Resolutions:  Thomas 
Owens,  Two  Harbors,  Minn. ;  W.  G.  Dudley,  Clifton  Forge,  Va. ; 
A.  R.  Rutan,  Smithville,  Texas;  D.  Mcl^ain,  Maritime  Provinces, 
and  O.  B.  Steeley,  of  Pocaletto,  Iowa.  G.  A.  Warburton,  of  New 
York,  outlined  the  broad  work  done  by  the  International  Committee, 
and  read  a  paper  upon  "A  Railway  Secretaryship — Its  Demands 
and  Opportunities."  F.  W.  Brent  spoke  on  "How  can  each  Associa- 
tion more  fully  occupy  its  own  field?"  The  address  of  the  afternoon 
was  a  forceful  and  eloquent  one,  delivered  by  John  R.  Mott,  on 
"The  Young  Men  of  the  World,  and  Our  Relation  to  Them."  Both 
sessions  were  enlivened  by  music  and  singing  and  spiritualized  by 
confession,  contrition,  conversion  and  prayer.  The  evening  session, 
which  was  preceded  by  a  song  service,  was  presided  over  by  A.  E. 
Marling,  of  New  York.  The  Shop  Quartette  rendered  a  selection; 
a  telegram  from  Russell  Sage,  of  New  York,  extending  his  wishes 
for  all  good  results  to  the  Conference  was  read.  F.  E.  Goodman 
offered  up  prayer,  and  Paul  Gilbert  sang  a  solo.  At  the  conclusion 
of  these  functions  the  chair  announced  a  paper  by  Theodore 
Schidlovsky,  of  Moscow,  Engineer  of  the  Imperial  Russian  Railroad, 
and  President  of  the  Society  of  Mutual  Help,  and  President  of  the 
Co-operative  Stores.  As  Mr.  Schidlovsky  could  not  speak  English, 
his  charming  and  accomplished  wife  read  it  in  fluent  English.  As 
Madame  Schidlovsky  stepped  forward  she  was  greeted  with  the 
Chautauqua  salute  and  three  rousing  cheers,  the  Conference  rising 
to  its  feet  to  do  her  honor.  The  paper  contained  the  following 
striking  facts  and  figures: 

Reference  was  first  made  to  the  system  of  co-operative  stores 
established  on  the  Russian  railway  lines  for  the  benefit  of  the 
employes.  The  paper  then  took  up  the  subject  of  the  Mutual  Help 
Societies  organized  for  the  benefit  of  railroad  men  throughout  the 
Russian  Empire,  and  some  interesting  facts  were  developed.  The 
first  of  these  societies  was  started  in  1887  by  the  chief  official  of  one 

171 


of  the  roads,  with  a  membership  of  twenty-five.  At  that  time 
there  was  no  provision  made  for  the  care  of  the  families  of  employes 
incapacitated  for  work,  and  the  new  organization  proposed  at  the 
outset  to  give  financial  help  to  and  educate  the  children  of  railroad 
men.  An  initiation  fee  of  one  rouble  (fifty  cents),  yearly  dues  of 
a  rouble,  and  a  contribution  of  $150  from  the  road,  annually,  made 
up  the  financial  foundation  of  the  new  venture.  During  the  first 
year  $2850  was  raised  to  carry  on  the  work.  The  next  year  $12,000 
was  raised,  increased  by  a  gift  of  $6000  from  a  disbanded  society. 
These  increased  funds  enabled  the  society  to  so  enlarge  its  scope 
as  to  cover  all  cases  of  accidents  to  members.  In  connection  with 
the  work  of  the  society,  the  first  home  for  invalids  was  founded  in 
1892.  It  is  twenty  miles  from  Moscow,  occupies  thirty  acres  of 
land,  with  four  buildings,  erected  at  a  cost  of  $6400.  The  home  is 
managed  by  a  committee  selected  indirectly  by  all  the  members 
of  the  society.  This  committee  meets  once  a  5^ear  and  fills  the 
vacancies  in  the  home.  All  the  officials  engaged  in  the  work  serve 
without  salary.  In  the  invalid  home  settlement,  the  invalids,  in 
addition  to  receiving  their  houses,  food,  light  and  heat  free,  are  also 
allowed  four  dollars  per  month  for  each  family.  There  is  no  need 
of  a  superintendent,  as  the  houses  are  kept  neat  and  clean  and  the 
invalids  are  in  many  cases  able  to  do  some  work  about  their  houses 
and  grounds.  They  live  to  a  good  old  age,  and  the  closing  years  of 
their  lives  are  made  happy  and  cheerful.  In  conclusion,  after 
stating  that  the  workingman  has  the  sympathy  of  the  railroad 
officials  in  Russia  and  that  he  receives  fair  play,  thanks  were  tendered 
for  the  opportunity  of  seeing  the  glorious  workings  of  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  movement  among  railroad  men  in 
America,  which  would  be  an  incentive  to  the  delegates  to  endeavor 
to  still  further  benefit  railroad  men  in  Russia. 

Mr.  Nicholas  A.  Reitlinger,  of  St.  Petersburg,  Assistant  Manager 
of  the  Railroad  Pension  Committee  of  Russia,  after  being  greeted 
with  loud  applause,  spoke  in  English  as  follows: 

"Mr.  Chairman,  I^adieis  and  Gentlemen: — I  would  be  pleased 
to  call  the  attention  of  the  Conference  to  the  measures  taken  by  the 
Russian  railways  in  the  interest  of  railroad  employes.  We  have 
not,  as  yet,  adopted  an  organization  similar  in  character  to  that 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association,  but  we  have  a  Young  Men's  Christian  Associa- 
tion organized   in  the  city  of  St.  Petersburg,  due  to  the  liberality  of 

172 


Mr.  Stokes,  of  the  United  States,  and  carried  out  by  Mr.  Franklin 
Gaylcrd.  Measures,  however,  in  the  interest  of  employes  have 
been  taken  by  our  government  on  the  state  railways  and  by  the 
administration  on  private  companies,  and  much  is  done  by  the 
private  initiative  of  the  railroad  men  themselves. 

"Measures  adopted  on  the  Russian  railroads  in  the  interest 
of  employes  can  be  divided  into  two  kinds: 

"  1st,  what  is  done  for  the  employes  and  their  families  during 
service,  and, 

"2d,  what  is  done  when  they  leave  the  service  and  when  the 
employes  die." 

Measures  in  the  Interest  of  Employes  During  Service. 

Aid  funds  for  the  burial  in  case  of  death  of  members  of  the 
employe's  family,  as  for  instance  his  wife,  his  children. 

In  case  of  his  decease  (if  the  employe  could  not  receive  medical 
attention  from  the  railroad  department). 

In  case  of  fire  or  flood  destroying  his  property.  (The  amount 
of  state  fund  in  this  case  cannot  exceed  one-half  year's  salary  of 
the  employe.) 

Medical  attention  to  the  employes  and  their  families  by  special 
physicians  paid  by  the  railroad  administration  and  in  numerous 
hospitals  sustained   by   the  administration. 

Houses  are  built  for  employes  on  different  railroad  lines. 

Schools,  elementary  and  technical,  are  organized  for  the  chil- 
dren of  employes. 

In  addition,  there  are  organizations  formed  by  the  private 
initiative  of  railroad  men,  of  which — 

Savings  banks,  from  which  depositors  may  withdraw  their 
money  and  likewise  borrow  money  at  reasonable  rates  of  interest. 
There  are  thirty-seven  of  these  banks,  with  nineteen  thousand 
(19,000)  members,  and  the  amount  borrowed  annually  is  about 
one  million  dollars. 

Co-operative  stores,  of  which  there  are  thirty-six  (36),  with 
forty  thousand  (40,000)  members.  Capital  stock  is  about  three 
hundred  and  seventy-five  thousand  dollars  ($375,000).  Members 
purchase,  through  the  medium  of  these  stores,  two  million  dollars' 
($2,000,000)  worth  of  goods  annually.  These  stores  are  of  special 
importance  on  many  lines  of  road  which  pass  through  desert  lands, 
where  railroad  men  are  unable  to  supply  their  wants  conveniently, 
in  which  case  the  store  sends  cars  with  goods  from  which  the  em- 

173 


ployes  purchase  what  they  require.  In  fact,  they  are  "general" 
stores  on  wheels. 

Societies  of  Mutual  Help,  the  most  important  of  which  is  that 
of  the  Moscow  and  Vovorod  Railroad,  in  relation  to  which  M.  Schid- 
lovsky  will  present  a  special  report  to  the  Conference. 

Clubs,  organized  on  various  lines. 

Libraries,  jointly  supported  by  the  railroad  administration. 

Pension  and  Aid  Funds. — By  two  special  laws,  one  of  1888 
and  one  of  1894,  the  first  for  private  companies,  the  second  for  state 
roads,  all  railroads  are  obliged  to  have  one  or  other  of  these  organ- 
izations. There  are  two  grades  of  railroad  employes  in  Russia, 
one  receiving  monthly  pay,  regularly,  and  the  other  not  employed 
steadily,  and  receiving  wages  daily.  The  latter  might  be  termed 
"extra  "or  "floating"  men.  The  former  are  termed  "commissioned" 
employes,  the  latter  "non-commissioned."  All  employes  except 
the  non-commissioned  are  obliged  to  become  members  of  these 
organizations.  The  members  of  both  pay  monthly  six  per  cent,  of 
their  salaries  towards  their  maintenance,  and  three  per  cent,  is  paid 
by  the  administration  on  private  railroads,  and  by  the  government 
on  state  railroads.  Members  of  the  Pension  Fund  receive,  when 
leaving  the  service,  after  employment  of  not  less  than  fifteen  years' 
duration,  annuities  or  pensions,  the  amount  of  which  depends  upon 
the  length  of  service,  upon  the  sum  of  money  which  stands  to  the 
employe's  credit  (being  formed  from  his  contributions,  upon  the 
payments  of  the  railroad  administrations  or  the  government  and 
of  the  interest  accruing  on  those  sums)  and  upon  age.  The  system 
the  Pension  Fund  is  based   upon    the  principles  of  life  insurance. 

Aid  Fund. — Members  of  the  Aid  Fund,  when  they  leave  the 
service  after  not  less  than  ten  years'  employment,  receive  back 
their  contributions  and  a  part  of  the  surplus  paid  by  the  adminis- 
tration on  their  account.  Leaving  service  after  not  less  than  fifteen 
years'  employment,  they  receive  all  that  stands  to  their  credit. 
Leaving  the  service  after  less  than  ten  years'  employment,  they 
receive  only  their  own  contributions,  without  the  accrued  profits, 
except  when  they  leave  through  disablements,  in  which  case  they 
receive  all  that  stands  to  their  credit.  There  is  a  central  pension 
fund,  covering  nineteen  state  roads,  and  nine  separate  pension 
funds  for  nine  railroads  belonging  to  private  companies.  The  total 
membership  of  these  Pension  and  Aid  Funds  is  about  three  hundred 
and    fifty    thousand    (.350,000)    men.     The   capital   of    the    Central 

T74 


Pension  Fund  of  the  nineteen  state  and  nine  private  railroads 
(which  originated  in  1894)  is  now  about  fifteen  million  (15,000,000) 
dollars.  The  capital  of  all  other  Pension  and  Aid  Funds  is  about 
forty-five  million  (45,000,000)  dollars,  making  a  total  capital  of 
fifty-five  million  (55,000,000)  dollars. 

The  yearly  income  of  the  Pension  and  Aid  Funds  is  more  than 
six  million  five  hundred  thousand  (6,500,000)  dollars,  from  the 
following  sources: 

Obligatory  contributions  of  members $3,190,000 

Payments  of  private  companies  and  of  the  gov- 
ernment on  state  roads... 1,170,000 

Profits  on  investments 1,254,000 

Other  revenues 1 ,040,000 

Total $6,660,000 

The  yearly  expenses  of  the  Pension  and  Aid  Funds  are  about 
two  million  five  hundred  thousand  (2,500,000)  dollars,  disbursed  as 
follows : 

Contributions  refunded $1,754,000 

Annuities    paid    to    pensioned    employes,    their 

widows  and  orphans - 343,000 

Other  expenses 382,000 

Total - -$2,479,000 

It  may  be  well  to  state  in  this  connection  that  the  total  mileage 
is  about  35,000  miles — 25,000  on  state  roads  and  10,000  on  private 
corporations. 

The  regulations  governing  the  above-mentioned  Pension  and 
Aid  Funds  with  other  details  belonging  to  the  matter  will  be  found 
in  a  recent  publication  of  the  Russian  Railroad  Pension  Committee, 
published  in  French,  prepared  for  the  World's  Exposition,  Paris, 
1900,  which  Mr.  Reitlinger  presented  to  the  President  of  the  Con- 
ference. This  publication  also  contains  statistics  in  regard  to  Rus- 
sian railroad  employes,  the  amount  of  salary  received  by  different 
classes  of  men,  as  engineers,  switchmen,  conductors,  clerks,  etc., 
the  average  age  of  employes  while  in  service,  age  at  which  they 
entered  service,  the  number  of  years  of  service  of  the  different 
classes,  number  of  deaths,  disablements,  and  relinquishments  of 
service  for  other  reasons. 

Aid  given  to  employes  leaving  the  service  in  case  of  disablement 
or  lack  of  employment,  and  to  families  in  case  of  death  of  employe. 

175 


Relief  money  is  paid  by  the  administration  of  private  com- 
panies or  by  the  government  on  state  roads  to  employes  incapaci- 
tated for  service  by  accident.  This  payment  may  be  given  in  the 
form  of  an  annuity,  the  amount  of  which  in  case  of  total  disability 
reaches  his  full  salary,  or  payment  is  made  in  one  lump  sum,  which 
is  about  ten  times  his  annual  salary. 

Life  Insurance. — By  recent  law,  June  3,  1899,  governmental 
life  insurance  has  been  instituted  for  railroad  employes.  It  has 
been  in  effect  since  September  last,  and  the  number  of  policies  in 
force  is  more  than  eight  thousand  (8000),  with  an  insuranced  capital 
of  about  four  million  (4,000,000)  dollars.  This  life  insurance  is 
entirely  optional  with  the  employe.  The  law  referred  to  is  con- 
tained in  the  publication  referred  to  as  issued  by  the  Russian  Rail- 
road Pension  Committee,  which,  in  addition,  contains  the  rates 
of  this  life  insurance. 

House  of  Invalids. — Was  founded  in  the  name  of  the  Emperor 
Alexander  II.  for  the  invalided  railroad  employes,  on  the  initiative 
of  the  Eleventh  General  Congress  of  the  Representatives  of  Russian 
Railroads.  The  foundation  of  this  benevolent  institution  was  con- 
sidered a  suitable  celebration  of  the  memorable  day  for  Russia, 
the  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  Tzar-Liberator's  reign.  For  the 
realization  of  this  act  of  benevolence  and  for  the  organization  and 
maintenance  of  the  asylums  or  departments  of  the  House  of  Invalids, 
all  Russian  railways  are  taxed  at  the  rate  of  five  roubles  per  verst 
per  annum,  forming  a  capital  which  in  1900  amounted  to  one  million 
five  hundred  thousand  (1,500,000)  roubles. 

The  object  of  the  House  of  Invalids  is  to  serve  as  a  refuge  for 
both  single  and  married  railway  employes  invalided  in  the  service, 
and  such  as  through  old  age,  sickness  or  other  causes  have  not  the 
possibility  of  earning  their  bread.  It  consists  of  three  departments 
at  present,  representing  each  a  separate  rural  colony,  with  con- 
siderable plots  of  land,  forests,  and  numerous  buildings.  A  monu- 
ment of  the  Emperor  Alexander  II.  is  erected  in  each,  inaugurated 
on  the  day  of  the  opening  of  the  colony. 

The  oldest  of  these  colonies  is  the  "Moscow"  one,  opened  August 
30,  1886.  It  is  situated  fifteen  versts  ofif  Moshaisk  station  on  the 
Moscow-Brest  Railway,  and  district  town  of  the  Moscow  govern- 
ment. The  area  of  the  colony  amounts  to  600  desiatins,  composed  of 
excellent  meadows  and  birch  woods  of  various  ages,  and  is  bounded 
on  one  side  by  the  picturesque  banks  of  the  river  Moscow.     A  church, 

176 


the  expense  of  building  which  was  kindly  defrayed  by  Mr.  Von  Meek, 
is  situated  near  a  garden  surrounding  the  monument  of  the  Emperor 
Alexander  II.,  erected  on  the  banks  of  the  Moscow.  The  colony 
contains  twenty-eight  houses  for  131  married  invalids,  with  from 
two  to  nine  lodgings  in  each;  a  barracks  for  thirty-three  single 
invalids;  widow-houses,  accommodating  fifteen  widows;  a  school, 
a  hospital  with  pharmacy  attached,  a  bath-house,  and  the  following 
workshops:  carpenters',  barrel-makers',  book-binders',  basket-mak- 
ers' and  brush-makers'.  There  is  also  the  house  of  the  adminis- 
tration and  the  offices. 

The  second  department  of  the  House  of  Invalids,  the  Western 
or  Vladava  colony,  was  opened  August  30,  1888.  It  contains  one 
hundred  and  sixty  desiatins  and  is  situated  in  the  Bresh  district 
of  the  government  of  Grodua,  three  versts  from  the  station  Vladava 
on  the  Vistula  Railway.  The  position  of  this  colon}^  on  the  high 
bank  of  the  river  Boog,  amidst  a  great  pine  forest,  with  a  sandy  soil, 
is  particularly  favorable  from  a  sanitary  point  of  view.  Along 
four  streets,  radiating  from  the  Emperor's  monument  as  a  centre, 
are  situated  a  church,  a  school,  fourteen  houses  for  sixty-three 
married  invalids,  each  containing  from  four  to  five  lodgings, 
barracks  for  thirty-nine  single  invalids,  a  widow-house  to  shelter 
twelve  widows,  workshops,  bath-house  and  house  for  the  admin- 
istration. 

The  last  of  these  colonies,  that  of  "Poltada,"  opened  August  30, 
1893,  is  situated  in  the  Kobeliak  district  of  the  Poltada  govern- 
ment, three  versts  off  the  town  of  Kobeliak  and  eight  versts  off 
Beliky  station  on  the  Kharkoff-Nicholaieff  Railway.  It  possesses 
two  hundred  and  forty  (240)  desiatins,  200  of  excellent  arable  land, 
and  forty  stretch  along  the  picturesque  banks  of  the  river  Vorska, 
above  the  woody  slopes  of  which  stands  the  monument  of  the  Em- 
peror Alexander  II.  The  buildings  of  the  colony,  arranged  in  a 
semicircle  to  face  the  monument,  consist  of  twenty  houses  for 
eighty  married  invalids,  barracks  for  twenty-two  single  invalids, 
and  a  house  for  five  widows.  It  also  contains  a  hospital,  a  school, 
church,  bath-house,  various  workshops,  offices  and  all  the  requisite 
buildings  and  implements  required  in  rural  economy. 

These  three  colonies  are  capable  of  affording  refuge  to  four  hun- 
dred invalids  with  their  families,  the  number  of  which  in  1900 
amounted  to  two  hundred  and  sixty  wives  of  invalids  and  five  hun- 
dred and  twenty-six  children.  Of  these  latter,  two  hundred  and 
sixty-five  were  receiving  instruction  in  the  schools  of  the  colonies, 

177 


and  one  hundred  and  twenty-four  attended  needle-work  classes 
and  the  workshops.  The  single  invalids  live  in  companies,  whereas 
the  married  ones  each  occupy  a  separate  lodging,  consisting  of  two 
rooms,  with  a  separate  entrance,  a  storeroom,  a  cow-shed  and  out- 
house. All  the  invalids,  in  addition  to  lodging,  are  supplied  with 
the  necessary  furniture,  and  receive  lighting,  heating,  provisions, 
clothing,  under-garments,  bed  linen  and  boots  and  shoes  in  pro- 
portion with  their  age  and  sex;  the  wives  of  invalids,  and  likewise 
their  children  from  the  age  of  seven  to  seventeen,  receive  of  these 
supplies  one-half  as  much  as  their  husbands  or  fathers,  and  the 
children  under  seven  years  are  entitled  to  only  a  quarter  of  an 
invalid's  portion.  The  children  of  invalids  are  instructed  gratis  in 
the  schools  and  workshops  of  the  colonies,  and  all  the  inmates  of  the 
asylum,  without  exception,  enjoy  spiritual  and  medical  aid  and 
receive  medicine  free  of  charge.  To  improve  the  state  of  the  in- 
valids burdened  with  numerous  families,  they  are  entitled  to  pecu- 
niary aid  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing  cows,  and  get  land  for  kitchen 
and  fruit  gardens,  hay-fields  and  pastures. 

In  view  of  the  importance  in  asylums  of  encouraging  industry 
and  thrift  to  counterbalance  the  evil  influence  of  indolence  and  idle- 
ness, the  Board  at  the  head  of  this  institution  strives  in  every  way 
to  encourage  the  invalids  and  their  families  to  work  according  to 
their  faculties,  hiring  them  to  do  the  household  work,  slight  repairs, 
and  the  management  of  the  colonies  supplies  them  with  funds  for 
purchasing  tools  and  working  material,  and  having  furnished  the 
different  workshops  with  all  the  requisites  and  special  masters  or 
foremen,  chosen  principally  from  among  the  invalids,  directs  the 
tasks  therein  to  consist  of  articles  required  by  the  colony.  This 
enables  the  administration  to  supply  the  children  with  a  good  tech- 
nical education,  invaluable  to  them  when  they  grow  up  as  a  means 
of  getting  their  living,  and  at  the  same  time  to  furnish  the  colony 
with  the  necessary  articles  at  their  lowest  cost.  As  soon  as  the 
eiforts  of  each  pupil  in  the  workshops  and  needle-classes  prove  pro- 
ductive, the  pupil  receives  a  savings-bank  book,  wherein  all  his  or 
her  earnings  are. entered. 

Following  Mr.  Reitlinger,  Mr.  Paul  Glasenapp,  of  the  German 
Embassy,  receiving  the  same  generous  applause,  said: 

"Mr.  Chairman,  IvAdies  and  Gejntleme^n : — Last  night  I  had 
the  honor  to  express  the  thanks  of  the  Prussian  Government  Rail- 
ways for  the  invitation  to  attend  the  International  Conference.     To- 

178 


night  I  will  tell  you  something  of  our  arrangements  for  the  care  and 
welfare  of  our  railway  employes. 

"  It  may  be  known  to  you  that  Germany,  in  the  way  of  social 
legislation,  promotes  the  welfare  of  its  employes  in  a  high  degree. 
In  all  of  our  departments,  and  also  in  the  government  railways, 
employes  are  appointed  where  possible  as  officials  for  life,  and  with 
a  certain  increasing  salary,  which  is  not  reduced  in  case  of  sickness 
or  accident,  and  in  case  of  ineffectiveness  for  service  they  enjoy  the 
benefits  of  pension.  After  death,  their  families  enjoy  them.  Also 
other  employes,  men  as  well  as  women,  in  governmental  or  private 
enterprises,  are  provided  by  law  with  safety  or  pension  funds, 
secured  by  the  joint  contributions  of  employer  and  employe.  These 
funds,  in  case  of  disability,  make  provision  for  medical  aid,  medicine, 
hospital  service  and  necessary  maintenance.  Besides  these  legal 
provisions,  the  government  railways  provide  for  about  130,000 
officials  and  220,000  employes  (total,  350,000),  arrangements  for 
relief  of  service  and  for  improvement  of  their  moral  and  economic 
condition,  and  steadily  seek  to  enlarge  and  improve  this  branch  of 
the  national  service. 

"To  prevent  over-straining  in  the  service,  there  are  exact  rules 
governing  the  daily  time  to  be  spent  in  the  service,  and  regular  days 
for  rest  and  attendance  at  divine  service.  Then,  for  employes  in 
the  train  service,  there  are,  at  each  railway  station,  social  rooms, 
where  they  can  stay  during  lay-overs,  and  where,  if  necessary,  sleep- 
ing-rooms and  wash-rooms,  and,  at  large  stations,  bath-rooms. 
These  arrangements  are  provided  by  the  railroad  free  of  all  charge 
to  the  employes. 

"In  forwarding  educational  work  among  the  employes,  there 
are  arranged  educational  lectures  concerning  technical  subjects. 

"  In  addition  to  the  relief  work  of  which  I  have  spoken  already, 
the  government  railways  of  my  country  disburse  annually  six  mil- 
lions of  marks  ($1,500,000)  for  care  in  case  of  sickness,  and  where 
accident  or  old  age  renders  it  impossible  for  a  man  to  secure  his  pre- 
vious remuneration,  this  fund  provides  sufficient  to  enable  him  to 
bring  his  earning  power  up  to  its  former  standard.  To  this  end, 
fifty  millions  of  marks  ($12,500,000)  have  been  accumulated  as 
surplus.  Up  to  this  time  fourteen  thousand  employes  have  re- 
ceived the  benefit  of  the  fund. 

"Where  there  are  no  residential  facilities,  a  great  number  of 
homes  are  built  and  maintained  at  government  expense,  which  are 
rented  to  employes  for  a  moderate  sum.     Furthermore,  the  organ- 

179 


ization  of  societies  and  associations  among  the  employes  is  encour- 
aged for  the  purpose  of  providing  them  with  all  kinds  of  food  and 
household  supplies,  at  a  small  cost  to  them.  Also,  they  are  encour- 
aged to  invest  their  money  in  savings  banks  and  fire  insurance. 
Finally,  arrangements  are  made  for  social  meetings  and  entertain- 
ments, so  as  to  encourage  a  feeling  of  close  union  and  fraternity 
among  the  employes  and  their  families. 

"We  hope  as  a  result  of  this  International  Conference  further 
progress  will  be  made  in  the  care  and  welfare  of  railway  employes, 
and  especially  that  the  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association  may  become  increasingly  useful  in  its  large 
and  beneficent  work." 

Upon  the  conclusion  of  the  addresses  of  the  delegates  from 
abroad,  Mr.  C.  M.  Hobbs,  Purchasing  Agent  of  the  Denver  &  Rio 
Grande  Railroad,  addressed  the  Conference  upon  the  subject  of 
"The  Railroad  Department — Its  Field,  Opportunity  and  Purpose." 
He  handled  the  subject  with  great  force  and  power.  He  said  that 
"out  of  the  most  unpromising  conditions  a  great  work  has  grown, 
which  stands  today  only  as  a  door  to  greater  achievements.  The 
rapid  development  of  railroads  for  twenty  years  after  the  Civil  War 
absorbed  the  men  of  action  coming  from  the  war,  but  demoralized 
only  as  war  can  demoralize  them.  These  men  determined  the 
nature  and  character  of  the  service.  There  were  few  encourage- 
ments to  morality  and  sobriety.  The  condition  was  so  bad  that  it 
brought  about  a  healthy  reaction.  Managers  of  railroads  who  tried 
to  improve  the  moral  and  social  condition  of  the  men  failed  in  their 
attempts,  and  gladly  helped  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
when  they  realized  its  power  for  success."  Mr.  Hobbs  during  his 
address  read  a  number  of  letters  from  railroad  presidents  bearing 
testimony  to  the  great  value  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Associ- 
ation as  the  supervising  agency  in  the  movement  to  elevate  the 
standard  of  railroad  men.  He  also  stated  that  there  are  now  157 
Railroad  Departments  with  a  membership  of  40,000,  and  that  the 
railroad  companies  contribute  $200,000  annually  towards  sustain- 
ing them  in  their  work. 

The  culmination  of  the  Conference  was  on  Sunday,  October  14. 
Many  delegates  were  assigned  to  aid  in  special  services  throughout 
the  city,  but  the  vast  bulk  of  those  attending  the  Conference  con- 
centrated at  the  Conference  hall,  and,  joined  by  large  numbers  of 
the  local  Association,  participated  in  the  most  notable  spiritual 
meetings  ever  held  in  this  city.     From  the  full  reports  of  the  morning 

i8o 


and  afternoon  meetings  which  appeared  in  the  secular  press  of  the 
15th,  the  following  is  culled.     It  is  taken  from  the  Inquirer. 

From  9  to  10  o'clock  in  the  morning  was  known  as  devotional 
hour.  A  large  number  of  delegates  were  in  attendance,  and  many 
of  them  participated  in  the  service,  either  by  offering  prayer,  recit- 
ing a  verse  of  Scripture,  or  giving  some  personal  experience. 

One  of  the  greatest  meetings  of  the  entire  Conference,  however, 
was  the  men's  mass  meeting  for  devotional  and  spiritual  work. 
It  was  the  meeting  looked  forward  to  for  many  weeks  by  the  Inter- 
national Committee  and  all  closely  in  touch  with  the  spiritual  side 
of  the  work  carried  on  by  the  Railroad  Department,  Y.  M.  C.  A. 
In  that  meeting  was  really  centred  the  basic  object  of  the  entire 
Y.  M.  C.  A.,  namely  the  uplifting  of  men  and  the  salvation  of  souls. 

Only  men  were  admitted,  because  it  was  thought  they  could 
be  better  influenced,  and  would  be  more  willing  to  give  expression 
to  their  true  inward  spiritual  feelings,  when  so  assembled.  Every 
seat  in  the  vast  auditorium  was  occupied  by  strong,  vigorous  fellows, 
and  it  was  an  inspiring  sight  to  see  the  deep  interest  manifested  by 
them.  Stalwart-looking  men,  with  grit  and  iron  nerve,  accustomed 
to  steel  their  hearts  and  bodies  against  the  ravages  of  their  daily 
environment  on  the  rail,  were  moved  to  tears  and  broke  down  under 
the  impulse  of  feeling  aroused  by  the  speaker  or  by  some  tender 
suggestion  in  a  hymn.  It  was  a  marvelous  revelation  of  the  power 
of  religion,  brought  to  them  in  the  simple,  heart-reaching  eloquence 
of  Fred.  B.  Smith,  one  of  the  International  Secretaries  from  Chicago, 
who  had  made  a  reputation  as  a  Christian  evangelist. 

Mr.  Smith  was  a  comparatively  young  man,  of  rugged  consti- 
tution, stocky  build,  and  a  sharp,  penetrating  eye,  shadowed  by  a 
beetling  brow.  He  looked  more  like  a  hustling  Western  man  than 
an  evangelist,  but  when  once  he  took  the  floor,  he  held  his  audience 
of  2000  spellbound  for  almost  two  hours.  Prior  to  his  address,  he 
called  upon  Engineer  McClure  to  offer  a  prayer.  It  was  an  earnest 
plea  to  God  for  his  blessing  upon  the  meeting.  Mr.  Smith  then 
called  for  ten  promises  from  the  Word  of  God,  and  as  if  he  had 
touched  a  score  of  electric  buttons  connected  with  the  phonographs, 
in  quick  succession  they  came  from  all  portions  of  the  house. 

Then  Mr.  Smith  began  his  address,  first  reading  from  St.  Mark 
the  story  of  the  rich  young  man  who  wanted  to  follow  Christ,  having 
been  a  model  of  virtue  and  morality  from  his  youth  up,  but  who 
was  not  willing  to  surrender  his  riches. 

The  speaker  said  he  at  first  received  aid  from  that  story,  but 

i8i 


now  he  regarded  it  as  a  warning  to  men  not  to  put  their  trust  in 
riches,  although  he  found  no  condemnation  of  riches  in  the  Bible. 
It  is  a  warning  too,  he  thought,  to  the  moral  man  who  does  not 
rely  on  Christ,  and  it  also  teaches  the  possibility  of  a  man  being 
nearly  saved  yet  being  eternally  lost.  The  one  thing  this  young 
man  lacked  was  the  spirit  of  God,  which,  Mr.  Smith  said,  was  the 
paramount  need  of  every  human  being.  He  recited  stories  of  men 
he  knew  who  had  been  criminals  and  drunkards,  yet  they  were  not 
intentionally  bad,  nor  did  they  hate  their  families,  but  lacked  the 
spirit  of  Jesus  Christ,  having  obtained  which  they  became  most 
effective  Christian  workers  and  respected  citizens.  He  commanded 
his  hearers  to  get  everything  desirable  they  ever  dreamed  of  in  this 
world's  goods  or  acquisitions,  yet  told  them  if  they  forgot  God 
their  lives  had  been  the  most  abject  and  dismal  failures. 

"And  you'll  live  to  come  back  and  tell  us  so,"  he  declared. 

The  other  side  of  the  rich  young  man's  story,  he  said,  was  the 
assurance  that  men  who  have  God's  spirit  in  them,  though  they 
fail  desperately  in  life's  secular  work,  their  lives  have  been  glori- 
ously successful. 

The  speaker  then  gave  a  graphic  recital  of  how  his  father  and 
mother,  having  lost  their  property,  but  ignorant  of  it,  in  their  old 
age  had  refused  to  leave  the  old  homestead,  and  when  the  son 
pleaded  that  they  would  be  so  lonely  out  there  in  the  Western  country 
his  devout  mother,  with  tear-stained  and  worn  Bible,  said,  "No,  my 
boy,  we'll  never  be  lonely  while  we've  got  this  book." 

A  hundred  men  in  the  audience  wept,  and  many  found  difficulty 
in  choking  down  the  sobs. 

The  speaker  then  put  the  question  to  the  men,  as  it  had  once 
been  put  to  him:  "Young  men,  why  don't  you  live  like  you'll  want 
to  die?" 

In  the  most  impressive  manner  he  asked  for  all  Christians  in 
the  audience  to  stand,  and  then  called  upon  the  rest  who  would 
like  to  be  prayed  for  to  stand.  Rev.  Dr.  Krdman  then  prayed 
earnestly. 

Following  that,  Mr.  Smith  asked  for  all  men,  not  already  Chris- 
tians, who  would  like  to  become  such,  to  stand  up  while  the  quar- 
tette sang 

"  Just  as  I  am,  without  one  plea." 

The  entire  audience  rose  by  fives  and  tens  in  all  parts  of  the 
house,  some  bursting  into  weeping,  until  nearly  150  had  signified 
their  desire  to  join  the  army  of  Christ. 

182 


Such  a  demonstration  has  seldom  been  witnessed.  The  con- 
verts were  then  assembled  in  front  of  the  platform,  filling  three  rows 
of  seats,  and  the  service  was  concluded  with  a  powerful  appeal  to 
God  to  dwell  with  them  and  bless  them. 

During  the  afternoon  a  special  meeting  of  the  "Woman's  Auxil- 
iary" of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department  of  Philadelphia 
was  held  at  the  Mantua  Baptist  Church,  Fortieth  Street  and  Fair- 
mount  Avenue.  The  meeting  was  exclusively  for  women  interested 
in  the  railroad  Christian  movement,  and  the  church  was  crowded  to 
the  doors.  The  Rev.  J.  G.  Walker,  pastor  of  the  church,  in  the 
name  of  himself  and  the  trustees  of  the  church,  extended  a  hearty 
and  cordial  welcome  to  those  present.  The  singing  throughout  the 
meeting  was  fine;  it  was  conducted  by  G.  P.  Bingley,  Secretary 
of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Baltimore,  assisted  by 
a  large  number  of  ladies  connected  with  the  church.  The  principal 
speech  of  the  afternoon  was  made  by  George  A.  Warburton,  Sec- 
retary of  the  Railroad  Department  of  New  York,  who  in  opening 
said;  "I  believe  it  is  the  right  of  the  women  to  have  this  meeting 
exclusive.  The  purpose  of  the  meeting  is  to  hear  something  of  the 
Association  work  among  railroad  men.  It  seems  to  me  Christian 
women  should  be  interested  deeply  in  this  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  work  among  railroad  men,  because  while  they  are  not 
out  on  the  railroad  they  are  at  home  thinking  of  those  who  run  the 
engines  and  conduct  the  trains.  They  sit  at  home  quietly  suffering 
for  those  who  are  on  the  highways  of  the  railroad,  thinking  of  their 
safety  and  their  coming  home,  clothed  in  their  right  mind."  Mr. 
Warburton  spoke  at  length  upon  the  movement,  its  origin,  methods 
and  progress,  and  dwelt  particularly  upon  the  work  it  did  for  the 
men  and  how  it  provided  the  safeguard  against  the  many  temp- 
tations to  evil  which  were  constantly  assailing  those  engaged  in 
railroad  activities.  In  closing  he  asked  the  Christian  women  to 
pray  for  the  progress  of  the  movement  so  that  it  might  receive  God's 
blessing  in  the  future  as  it  has  received  it  in  the  past. 

The  evening  meeting,  the  "farewell"  one  of  the  Conference, 
was  an  impressive  one.  The  auditorium  was  crowded  to  over- 
flowing. The  spiritual  enthusiasm  with  which  the  atmosphere  was 
charged  during  the  daylight  meetings  seemed  to  become  more  in- 
tense as  the  shades  of  night  wore  on.  Clarence  J.  Hicks  presided. 
After  a  service  of  sacred  song,  led  by  C.  B.  Willis,  of  Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin,  and  of  prayer  led  by  Superintendent  Sutherland,  of  the 
Michigan  Central,  the  Conference  Quartette  of  Indiana  sang  a  very 

183 


effective  selection.  Chairman  Hicks  saying  that  as  Mr.  Pugh  had 
represented  Mr.  Patton,  whose  recent  affliction  prevented  his  being 
present  to  welcome  on  behalf  of  the  local  department  the  delegates 
to  the  Conference,  so,  too,  Mr.  William  B.  Wilson,  First  Vice-Chair- 
man  of  the  Department,  would  represent  that  gentleman  in  saying 
farewell.  Mr.  Wilson,  after  thanking  the  Conference  for  the  honor 
it  had  done  the  Department  in  meeting  in  its  building,  said  that 
every  member  of  the  Department,  the  Department  itself,  and  the 
community  in  which  the  Department  was  located  had  been  spirit- 
ually elevated  by  the  gathering,  and  that  every  employing  company 
would  be  benefited  in  its  service  upon  the  return  home  of  the 
delegates.  He  further  said  that  like  in  earlier  days  the  wise  men 
of  the  East  had  followed  the  Star  of  Bethlehem  to  the  stable  door, 
so  in  these  later  days  wise  men  from  the  Empires  of  Russia,  Ger- 
many and  Japan,  guided  by  that  selfsame  star,  found  themselves 
upon  the  platform  of  this  auditorium  to  review  the  work  of  the 
"Babe  of  the  Manger."  He  called  the  delegates'  attention  to  the 
fact  that  they  builded  better  than  they  knew,  that  their  gathering 
was  perhaps  the  most  important  one  in  its  benefits  to  mankind  of 
any  Christian  conference  that  had  ever  convened  in  the  world's 
history.  One  single  lesson  it  had  taught  could  only  be  beneficial 
in  its  results,  as  it  taught  empires,  states,  corporations  and  men 
that  all  friction  could  be  removed,  all  differences  settled  with  entire 
justice  to  all  involved,  if  they  would  accept  the  Arbitrator  that  the 
Almighty  God  had  appointed  nineteen  centuries  ago  in  the  person 
of  Jesus  Christ. 

Mr.  Wilson  was  followed  by  Mr.  George  H.  Grone,  Chairman  of 
the  Committee  of  Arrangements,  J.  A.  Keesberry,  Chairman  of  the 
Committee  on  Entertainment,  and  Charles  R.  Towson,  Secretary 
of  the  local  Department,  all  of  whom  spoke  feelingly  of  the  pleasure 
and  profit  the  Department  had  received  by  having  the  Conference 
as  its  guest,  and  bid  the  delegates  "godspeed"  and  a  safe  return 
to  their  families. 

Mr.  Owens,  on  behalf  of  the  Committee  on  Resolutions,  pre- 
sented a  series  of  resolutions  which  were  unanimously  adopted. 
These  resolutions  extended  thanks  to  all  who  had  spoken  at  the 
different  meetings;  to  Miss  Helen  Gould,  Mrs.  Russell  Sage,  Mrs. 
A.  J.  Cassatt,  Mrs.  Charles  E.  Pugh  and  other  women  for  their  en- 
couraging presence;  to  the  Eadies'  Auxiliary  of  the  local  depart- 
ment; to  the  foreign  delegates,  especially  to  Madam  Sophie  Schid- 
lovsky;  to  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  and   to   the  many 

184 


others  of  the  railroad  companies  and  individuals  who  had  helped 
to  carry  on  the  work  of  the  Conference;  to  the  press  of  Philadelphia 
and  to  the  city  of  Philadelphia.  The  resolution  pertaining  to  the 
latter  contained  these  words:  "The  hospitality  of  Philadelphia  is 
unsurpassed,  and  we  will  ever  remember  this  as  the  City  of  Broth- 
erly Love."  Following  the  reading  of  the  resolutions,  John  Wana- 
maker,  whose  presence  was  unexpected,  was  called  to  the  front  of 
the  platform  and  received  a  shower  of  applause.  Mr.  Wanamaker, 
after  thanking  the  Conference  for  the  warmth  of  his  reception,  said 
he  had  not  expected  to  come  to  the  meeting,  but  his  interest  in  the 
work,  and  as  one  of  the  first  friends  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  in  this  country,  he  could  not  keep  away — he  simply  had 
to  come.  After  adding  his  testimony  to  the  great  work  the  Asso- 
ciation has  done  and  is  doing,  he  further  said: 

"We  must  make  a  great  stride  forward  after  this  meeting,  so 
that  this  Convention  shall  be  an  unmixed  blessing  to  all  the  United 
States.  I  feel  encouraged  by  this  meeting;  in  fact,  I  came  here  to 
be  encouraged,  not  to  make  a  speech. 

"It  is  the  hope  of  the  Church  to  organize  itself  as  well  as  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad.  As  part  of  the  Church,  the  Y.  M.  C.  A. 
is  hard  at  work  while  the  Church  is  asleep.  Bethany  will  be  shut 
until  next  Sunday,  but  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  works  every  day  and  all  day. 

"The  Church  has  wealth,  intelligence  and  numbers,  but  needs 
the  never-tiring  spirit  of  your  Association.  You  are  true-hearted, 
dauntless,  ever- working,  and  will  be  the  savers  of  our  men." 

Mr.  Wanamaker  was  followed  in  short  addresses  by  Nicholas 
A.  Reitlinger,  of  St.  Petersburg,  Russia,  "Father"  Coffin,  of  Iowa, 
and  C.  M.  Hobbs,  of  Denver,  Colorado,  after  which  Fred.  B.  Smith, 
of  Chicago,  led  in  a  testimony  service  during  which  the  spirit  of  the 
afternoon  meeting  again  came  to  the  front.  The  Conference  then 
adjourned  by  the  delegates  rising  and  singing  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association  doxology,  "Blest  be  the  tie  that  binds." 

As  an  aftermath  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  ten- 
dered an  excursion  to  and  entertainment  at  Atlantic  City,  on 
Monday,  October  15,  to  the  delegates  attending  the  Conference; 
1017  persons  availed  themselves  of  the  generous  hospitality.  Three 
trains  of  eight  cars  each  awaited  their  arrival  at  Broad  Street  Station. 
By  half-past  eight  o'clock  the  delegations  began  to  arrive,  and  before 
nine  o'clock  the  north  end  of  the  station  was  thronged.  As  the 
manly  voices  rang  out  in  sacred  song  which  penetrated  every  part 
of  the  great  building  the  passengers  on  the  incoming  and  ouigoing 

185 


trains  were  treated  to  a  scene  never  before  witnessed  on  the  prom- 
enade of  the  station.  Stalwart  men  with  bronzed  faces  and 
hardened  hands,  accustomed  to  the  buflfetings  of  the  storm  and  the 
hazards  of  the  rail,  men  who  performed  their  daily  tasks  with  a 
stern  sense  of  duty  and  an  appreciation  of  their  responsibilities, 
were  greeting  one  another  in  words  of  brotherly  love,  and  giving 
vent  to  their  overflowing  hearts  in  singing  joyous  songs  in  honor 
of  the  Almighty  God.  What  influence  this  scene  must  have  had 
upon  the  crowds  of  people  hurrying  through  the  station  to  the  busy 
marts  of  trade  God  alone  can  reveal,  but  no  doubt  many  business 
transactions  of  the  city  were  tempered  for  that  day  at  least  with 
great  consideration  for  the  rights  of  others,  and  conducted  with  a 
higher  appreciation  of  the  wonderful  work  of  God  and  his  methods 
of  drawing  men  closer  to  him.  Many  of  the  prominent  officials 
were  on  the  platform  to  personally  supervise  the  arrangements 
for  the  comfort  and  safety  of  the  men.  President  Cassatt,  in  his 
office,  was  deeply  interested  in  the  excursion,  and  noted  throughout 
the  day  the  train  movements  and  the  happenings  of  the  planned 
events.  Robert  S.  Beatty,  Chairman  of  the  Transportation  Com- 
mittee, was  in  charge  of  the  excursion  and  took  personal  charge 
of  the  third  section  of  the  train.  Charles  C.  Kinney  was  in  charge 
of  the  first  section,  and  George  H.  Grone  of  the  second  section. 
The  first  section  left  at  9.15  A.  M.,  and  made  the  run  to  Atlantic 
City  in  75  minutes;  the  second  section  left  at  9.25,  making  the  run 
in  72  minutes,  whilst  the  third  section,  which  left  at  9.35,  arrived 
78  minutes  later.  The  day  was  an  ideal  one,  with  a  clear  sky,  gentle 
breeze  and  balmy  atmosphere,  and  the  run  down  to  the  ocean 
only  too  short  for  the  happiness  which  the  occasion  produced. 
The  arrival  at  Atlantic  City  of  such  a  body  of  men  at  this  "quiet" 
season  of  the  year  was  an  occasion  of  importance  to  the  citizens, 
and  Mayor  Stoy  was  on  hand  to  give  the  strangers  a  hearty  welcome. 
Young's  Pier  was  at  the  visitors'  disposal  for  the  day,  and  there 
they  assembled  upon  arrival.  The  auditorium  was  filled.  As 
Madame  Schidlovsky  entered  a  proscenium  box  she  was  greeted 
with  an  ovation  which  showed  how  strongly  embalmed  in  the  hearts 
of  the  American  railroad  men  was  the  accomplished  wife  of  the 
distinguished  Russian  engineer.  The  meeting  was  opened  by  Mr. 
Beatty  calling  upon  Rev.  Charles  R.  Brdman  to  lead  in  prayer.  The 
Association  Quartette  sang  a  selection,  after  which  Mr.  Beatty  pre- 
sented Mayor  Stoy,  who  in  a  few  graceful  words  of  commendation 
of  the  gathering  heartily  tendered  the  hospitalities  of  the  city, 

1 86 


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which  were  as  gracefully  accepted  on  behalf  of  the  visitors  by  Mr. 
Erdman.  Then,  after  rising  and  singing  "America,"  the  delegates 
broke  up  into  little  parties  and  strolled  along  the  boardwalk,  on 
the  beach  and  through  the  streets,  viewing  the  sights,  drinking  in 
the  invigorating  sea  air,  and  occasionally  making  the  welkin  ring 
with  sacred  song.  The  managers  of  the  Steel  Pier  threw  that 
magnificent  structure  open,  and  those  who  visited  and  inspected 
it  were  well  repaid.  At  one  o'clock  dinner  was  served  at  "The 
Brighton,"  "The  Dennis,"  "The  Traymore,"  "The  Shelbourne," 
"The  Windsor,"  "Haddon  Hall,"  "The  Seaside"  and  "The  St. 
Charles."  The  visitors  were  assigned  in  about  equal  numbers  to 
each  one  of  these  eight  hotels.  The  service  was  fine  and  the  dinners 
most  excellent.  After  dinner  a  trolley  ride  to  Longport  and  the 
Inlet  was  given,  the  movement  over  the  lines  being  personally 
conducted  by  A.  O.  Dayton,  Superintendent  of  the  West  Jersey 
&  Seashore  Railroad,  who  devoted  the  day  to  the  comfort  of  the 
guests.  Twenty  carloads  made  the  trip  and  were  delighted  with  the 
ocean  and  beach  views,  particularly  those  which  had  not  yet  been 
encroached  upon  by  the  so-called  march  of  improvement.  At  4.45 
P.  M.  the  party  re-entered  the  trains  and  left  for  Philadelphia. 
Upon  their  arrival  at  Broad  Street  Station,  where  bidding  good-bye 
to  one  another,  as  they  prepared  to  scatter  for  their  widely  separated 
homes,  all  expressed  their  great  delight  at  the  rare  treat  that  had 
been  accorded  by  the  generosity  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Company. 

The  distinguished  visitors  from  Russia  and  Germany,  in  the 
persons  of  Mr.  and  Madame  Schidlovsky,  of  Moscow,  Mr.  Nicholas 
A.  Reitlinger,  of  St.  Petersburg,  and  Mr.  Paul  Glasenapp,  Engineer 
Attache  of  the  German  Embassy  at  Washington,  added  very  greatly 
to  the  interest  and  importance  of  the  Conference.  Interesting  in 
their  personalities  by  their  bearing,  manners  and  abilities,  they  be- 
came much  more  so  as  their  ambassadorial  functions  disclosed  them- 
selves. To  their  refinement  and  knowledge  was  added  the  keenest 
sense  of  observation  and  inquiry.  Scarcely  anything  escaped  them, 
whether  in  the  religious,  social,  industrial  or  governmental  con- 
ditions by  which  they  were  surroimded.  Madame  Schidlovsky,  a 
pure  type  of  a  good  woman  overflowing  with  philanthropy,  was 
particularly  admired;  her  accurate  knowledge,  both  technical  and 
practical,  of  the  railroad  craft  won  for  her  the  admiration  of  all 
railroad  men  who  had  the  honor  to  meet  her,  whilst  her  amiable 
disposition,    gentleness,    consideration    for    others,  and    her    whole 

187 


being  overflowing  with  happiness  and  goodness,  made  a  loving 
impression  on  the  hearts  of  all. 

It  was  a  beautiful  sight  when  Helen  Gould  and  Mrs.  Russell 
Sage  entered  the  lecture-room  where  were  gathered  specially  the 
delegates  from  the  Southwest,  who  were  employed  on  the  lines 
known  as  the  Gould  system.  The  motherly  greetings  of  dear  Mrs. 
Sage  and  sisterly  solicitude  of  gentle  Helen  Gould,  as  they  mingled 
with  the  men,  was  a  great  object  lesson  in  the  power  of  good  women, 
and  how  perfectly  the  interests  of  employer  and  employe  are  allied 
when  Jesus  Christ  is  the  cement  which  binds  them  together. 

The  Juniors  were  alive  during  the  Conference;  their  tastefully 
arranged  parlor  for  the  ladies  attracted  great  attention,  whilst  their 
activity  in  aiding  in  all  parts  of  the  entertainment  was  worthy  of 
all  commendation. 

The  adjournment  of  that  Conference  closed  one  of  the  most 
important  religious  conferences  ever  held  on  this  continent,  and  one 
of  the  most  momentous  in  the  history  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association.  Its  influence  for  good  extended  throughout  the  United 
States  and  in  foreign  parts  as  the  delegates  recounted  in  their  widely 
scattered  homes  the  scenes  and  incidents  of  its  sessions.  It  was  an 
object  lesson  in  the  efhciency  of  the  supervision  of  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association  in  the  religious  advancement  of  the  railroad 
man  throughout  the  world,  and  emphasized  the  fact  that  when 
friciton  occurs  between  the  sons  of  men,  and  human  arbitration  and 
human  arbitrators  fail  to  remove  it,  it  will  disappear  when  appeal 
is  made  to  the  great  Arbitrator  sent  by  the  Almighty  God  nineteen 
centuries  ago,  and  who  came  upon  earth  as  the  angels  sang  "Glory 
to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good  will  toward  men." 

The  Conference,  the  efforts  which  had  been  put  forth  before  and 
at  it  by  the  members  of  the  Department  to  insure  its  success,  and 
the  lessons  learned  from  it,  so  stimulated  all  of  the  activities  that  at 
the  close  of  1900  decided  progress  was  shown.  Nowhere  was  this 
more  observable  than  in  the  Junior  Department.  The  growth  of 
that  work  is  shown  in  the  statistics  elsewhere  displayed,  but  the 
broad  and  comprehensive  plan  upon  which  the  work  has  been  con- 
ducted has  not  heretofore  been  shown.  From  the  reorganization  of 
the  Junior  branch  into  a  subordinate  department  under  the  super- 
vision of  the  Senior  Department,  Mr.  George  C.  Bartlett,  Jr.,  has 
been  the  supervising  agent,  and  to  the  faithful  and  intelligent  ad- 
ministration of  his  trust  is  largely  due  the  successful  outcome. 
The  principles  upon  which  Mr.   Bartlett  founded  his  administra- 

i88 


tion  were  outlined  in  an  address  he  made  in  the  main  building  on 
March  12,  1900,  at  a  District  Secretaries'  Conference.  On  that 
occasion  he  said : 

"The  Junior  work  is  no  longer  an  experiment  in  Association 
work.  It  has  been  organized  in  nearly  all  larger  Associations  and 
many  of  the  smaller,  and  has  been  placed  there  to  stay.  It  is  des- 
tined to  play  an  important  part  in  the  great  future  of  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association,  and  as  such  must  receive  our  careful 
and  prayerful  consideration. 

"As  we  take  in  the  Junior  member  for  the  express  purpose  of 
training  him — physically,  intellectually  and  spiritually — for  a  larger 
life,  and  possibly  for  the  control  of  the  future  Association,  we  cannot 
set  a  too  high  standard  in  this  department. 

"A  '  high  standard'  in  Junior  work  is  my  keynote,  and  it  will  be 
sounded  straight  through  all  I  have  to  suggest  upon  this  subject. 
Thoroughness  in  everything  we  undertake,  and  let  the  undertaking 
be  on  a  broad  basis — -this  is  essential  for  the  successful  outcome  of 
our  work  for  the  boys. 

"No  attempt  should  be  made  to  supplant  the  home  life.  On  the 
contrary,  it  should  be  decidedly  supplementary.  The  hours  for  the 
use  of  the  rooms  must  not  conflict  with  other  duties — school  in  par- 
ticular— and  so  arranged  that  they  cannot  be  used  as  an  excuse  for 
the  boy's  too  constant  absence  from  his  home.  I  am  opposed  to  any 
extensive  work  for  the  Juniors  at  night,  and  when  we  find  it  neces- 
sary to  arrange  our  work  at  that  time,  to  do  as  little  as  possible,  and 
then  only  with  the  older  fellows. 

"Too  much  stress  cannot  be  made  upon  the  proper  selection  of 
the  Chairman,  the  Junior  Secretary,  or  other  recognized  leaders. 
They  should  be  men  of  strong  personalities;  men  of  the  highest 
type  of  Christian  character;  men  who  can  accept  the  spirit  of  our 
Saviour  when  he  said,  'Suffer  the  little  ones  to  come  unto  me';  men 
who  can  command  instant  respect;  men  who  can  love  a  boy  because 
he  is  a  boy,  and  who  can  sympathise  with  him  in  his  boyish  difficul- 
ties— and  he  has  many.  Sympathy,  earnestness,  cheerfulness  and 
patience,  coupled  together  with  tact,  and  a  manly  character  are 
qualities  that  will  invariably  attract  the  boy. 

"Ir".  the  February  issue  of  Association  Men  the  editor  is  author- 
ity for  the  statement  that  'fully  80  per  cent,  of  membership  in  our 
Junior  Departments  is  made  up  of  boys  under  fourteen  years  of  age, 
and  that  the  Associations  are  missing  their  work  when  failing  to 
make  definite  and  separate  provision  for  the  boys  between  fourteen 

189 


and  sixteen.'  I  thoroughly  agree  with  him  in  this  respect,  and  have 
always  maintained  that  a  division  at  fourteen  years  should  be  made 
whenever  practicable.  We  do  it  in  our  Bible  study  classes;  to  some 
degree  in  our  physical  work;  in  our  camp  life,  our  educational  classes; 
in  fact,  whenever  and  wherever  the  opportunity  affords.  The  boy 
of  fifteen  or  sixteen  is  certainly  a  different  person  from  the  boy  of 
twelve,  and  will  only  associate  with  the  younger  as  a  leader  or  upon 
special  occasions. 

"After  a  very  careful  study  of  boy-life  as  it  is  today — and  their 
life  today  as  compared  with  their  age  is  much  further  advanced 
than  ten  or  more  years  ago — I  am  thoroughly  convinced  that  the 
average  boy  is  led  much  easier  into  right  or  wrong  paths  between 
the  ages  of  ten  and  twelve  than  later.  Yes,  bad  habits  are  too 
often  rooted  before  twelve  years.  I  do  not  think  we  should  be 
too  rigid  on  the  age  usually  required  for  admission — indeed  do  be- 
lieve that  we  will  soon  discover  that  ten  years  will  not  be  any  too 
early.  Two  years'  experience  in  this  Association,  where  we  admit 
boys  from  ten  years,  only  strengthens  my  opinion  in  this  direction, 
and  no  argument  to  the  contrary  can  now  change  it.  I  would 
advocate  an  absolute  separateness  of  our  senior  work  from  that  of 
this  younger  element,  but  would  advise  a  more  lenient  policy  with 
the  older  fellows — even  so  far  as  to  allow  them  certain  senior  privi- 
leges at  the  proper  time. 

'Xess  effort  is  required  to  secure  attendance  in  the  physical 
department  than  in  any  other.  A  boy  takes  to  this  part  of  the  work 
naturally,  but,  on  the  other  hand,  he  requires  infinitely  more  care 
and  the  very  intelligent  supervision  of  a  trained  instructor  or  attend- 
ant. Basket-ball,  hand-ball  and  various  other  games  are  his 
particular  delight,  and  they  are  all  good  and  proper  in  their  places 
as  an  aid  in  the  development  of  the  boy  as  well  as  for  the  fun  he  cer- 
tainly gets  out  of  them.  But  these  games  should  never  interfere 
with  the  regular  class  work — in  fact,  should  never  be  allowed  except- 
ing to  those  in  regular  attendance  at  the  class  work.  A  good  plan  is 
to  close  the  gymnasium  door  at  a  given  time  and  permit  no  late-comer 
to  enter  the  gymnasium  after  that  hour.  We  have  recently  adopted 
this  method  in  our  work  here,  and  find  that  it  works  admirably. 

"I  do  not  believe  in  competition  games  with  other  organiza- 
tions in  the  Junior  Department — specially  so  during  the  school 
season.  It  requires  too  much  concentration,  and  cultivates  the  pro- 
fessional spirit  too  soon.  Informal  games  among  the  boys  will 
satisfy  their  desire  for  'a  game.'    The  competitive  spirit  will  mani- 

190 


fest  itself  occasionally,  but  block  it  at  once,  and  if  it  comes  from  the 
older  fellows,  let  them  know  in  a  kind  manner  why  you  do  so,  and 
they  will  respect  you  for  your  stand.     This    by  way  of  experience. 

"The  second  principle  in  our  work:  From  printed  statistics  we 
learn  that  about  seventy-five  per  cent,  of  our  Junior  members  is 
composed  of  schoolboys.  In  our  own  department  we  reach  the 
ninety  per  cent,  mark — and,  by  the  way,  a  splendid  testimony  to 
the  railroad  man's  effort  to  give  his  boy  a  proper  education. 

"This  large  percentage  of  schoolboys  in  our  membership  re- 
quires a  very  careful  adjustment  of  educational  work.  The  school 
course  is  becoming  more  exacting,  and  the  home  studies  more  numer- 
ous, and  precludes  to  a  considerable  extent  any  set  class  work,  as 
in  our  Senior  Department.  There  is  opportunity,  however,  for  good 
work  with  the  older  fellows  along  educational  lines,  but  it  must  be 
adapted  to  his  particular  case.  For  instance,  a  'commercial  class' 
may  be  organized.  Give  the  members  access  to  the  typewriters, 
hectograph  and  other  office  paraphernalia,  and  under  the  direction 
of  the  Secretary  good  results  can  be  obtained.  The  class  need  not 
hold  special  sessions;  on  the  contrary,  let  it  be  on  the  go-as-you-please 
plan,  so  far  as  time  is  concerned,  yet  practical  in  its  operation.  You 
will  be  surprised  at  the  results  that  can  be  attained,  and  without  in- 
terfering in  any  way  w4th  the  proper  rest  from  the  set  studies  required 
of  the  boy  five  days  of  each  week.  Don't  make  this  privilege  condi- 
tional upon  certain  regular  attendance,  or  the  work  will  not  attract  the 
boy.  Have  all  your  committee  work  conducted  in  such  a  way  that 
it  will  perform  part  of  the  educational  effort.  Let  each  committee 
have  some  definite  and  real  work.  Insist  upon  written  minutes  by 
their  various  secretaries;  write  all  suggestions  and  instructions  to  the 
chairmen  and  request  an  answer.  Arrange  outings  for  groups  of 
boys  interested  in  special  subjects,  and  bring  them  in  actual  con- 
tact with  their  'hobbies.'  Much  can  be  done  by  contact  work,  ex- 
amples or  illustrations — without  exhausting  the  already  tired  little 
brain. 

"And  our  third  principle,  spirit:  In  the  spiritual  work  for  the 
boys  I  believe  we  should  have  more  of  Christ  and  less  of  methods ; 
more  reverence  and  actual  communion  with  God  and  less  of  the 
illustrations  which  so  tend  to  detract  from  the  proper  spirit  of  the 
work  rather  than  open  the  way  for  the  right  conception  of  the  truth. 
Pardon  me  for  again  referring  to  our  own  work,  but  I  have  made  a 
careful  study  of  the  results  of  talks  to  the  boys  of  this  department, 
and  find  that  the  deepest   impressions  are  made  in  our  religious 

191 


meetings  by  men  who  give  us  the  pure  gospel,  and  not  by  those  with 
the  jocular  illustrations.  The  boys  frequently  ask  for  the  former 
speakers  when  the  latter  are  often  forgotten,  and  quite  frequently 
ridiculed. 

"I  have  noticed  certain  signs  in  some  of  the  various  Junior 
rooms  visited,  and  they  read  thus:  'Don't  upset  the  chairs,'  'Bible 
Class  Wednesday  Afternoon,'  'Don't  run  around  the  corridors,' 
'  Boys'  own  meeting  Sunday  Afternoons,  "  Don't  whistle,'  etc. :  a  gen- 
eral mixture  of  the  ridiculous  with  the  sublime,  as  it  were,  until 
there  is  scarcely  enough  vacant  space  left  on  the  walls  to  see  the 
design  of  the  paper  or  the  color  of  the  calcimining.  This  method 
certainly  spoils  the  appearance  of  any  room,  no  matter  how  good  its 
furnishings,  and  is  suggestive  to  the  boy.  Did  you  ever  see  a  sign 
along  the  country  roadside  that  had  been  changed  to  suit  the  ca- 
price of  one  of  these  little  fellows?  Yes,  and  he  will  do  the  very  same 
thing  in  5^our  own  rooms,  or  at  least  compel  you  to  make  other  signs 
for  new  offences. 

"Let  discipline  govern  your  rooms  and  your  boys,  but  let  the 
'don'ts'  come  from  the  lips  of  your  Secretary,  and  not  from  the  sign- 
maker's  brush.  A  five-minute  talk  with  a  new  member,  or  an  un- 
ruly old  one,  will  do  more  toward  saving  your  furniture  and  estab- 
lishing discipline  and  the  proper  order  of  things  than  all  the  signs 
your  walls  will  hold.  A  hand-to-hand  and  a  heart-to-heart  contact 
with  these  young  members  will  overcome  mountains  of  difficulties, 
and  prevent  a  too  frequent  falling  from  grace  on  the  part  of  those 
directly  responsible  for  the  Junior  work. 

"  'Nothing  is  too  good  for  the  boys'  has  often  been  heard  in  our 
conversations  and  conferences,  but  do  we  always  carry  out  this 
thought?  The  landscape  gardener  places  the  little  rosebush  in  care- 
fully prepared  soil,  and  just  where  sun  and  rain  will  bathe  its  leaves, 
and  as  a  result  he  secures  a  plant  that  is  beautiful  to  behold.  'Tis 
true  also  of  the  young  rose  of  manhood.  Place  him  in  proper  sur- 
roundings, and  in  the  light  of  the  Cross,  and  the  showers  of  blessing 
will  not  only  nourish  that  which  you  have  so  carefully  watched,  but 
will  bring  joy  and  gladness  to  your  own  soul  and  make  your  Associ- 
ation a  mighty  power  for  good." 

The  mechanical  instruction  class  which  had  been  instituted  the 
year  before  (1899)  was  well  attended.  That  the  effort  was  well 
directed  was  apparent  in  the  attendance  and  sustained  interest  on 
the  part  of  the  men,  the  larger  number  of  whom  were  engineers  and 
firemen,  but  a  considerable  number  were  from  other  branches  of  the 

192 


railroad  service.  These  men  came  to  the  class  from  all  parts  of 
Philadelphia,  as  well  as  from  points  outside  of  the  city,  to  spend  hours 
at  a  time  studying  the  complex  appliances.  The  Department  wel- 
comed all  employes,  whether  members  or  not,  and  during  the  sea- 
son of  six  months  an  average  attendance  of  1000  per  month  was 
registered.  The  instruction  given  by  Mr.  Alexander  was  supple- 
mented by  that  of  other  P.  R.  R.  men  competent  to  demonstrate  the 
work;  and  the  result  is  indicated  in  the  following  letters: 

Philadelphia,  June  11,  1900. 
Mr.  Chas.  R.  Towson, 

General  Secretary. 
Dear  Sir: 

In  reply  to  your  letter  relative  to  Air-Brake  Instruction  as  pro- 
vided by  the  Mechanical  Instruction  Department,  I  take  pleasure  in 
stating  that  I  have  noted  a  wide  improvement  since  the  establish- 
ment of  these  classes ;  the  enginemen  are  more  proficient  in  the  hand- 
ling of  the  brake,  and  are  able  to  report  defects  more  intelligently. 
I  would  also  state  that  we  have  not  received  a  single  complaint  in 
regard  to  rough  handling  of  the  brake  since  the  air-brake  plant  was 
started. 

I  would  suggest  that  if  possible  the  interlocking  be  taken  up 

next,  as  I  am  certain  the  men  would  become  largely  interested  and 

good  results  be  obtained. 

Respectfully, 

(Signed)         C.  H.  Smith, 

Road  Foreman  Engines. 


Jersey  City,  June  13,  1900. 
Mr.  Chas.  R.  Towson, 

General   Secretary. 
Dear  Sir: 

Referring  to  your  letter  of  June  1,  in  regard  to  the  result  of  the 
instruction  of  the  Mechanical  Department  of  the  Association,  I  have 
remarked  to  some  of  our  officers  of  the  New  York  Division  that  I 
have  noticed  that  the  enginemen  and  firemen  take  very  much  in- 
terest in  their  work,  and  ask  many  useful  and  intelligent  questions, 
which  I  think  is  directly  the  result  of  the  instruction  and  talk  at 
the  meetings  of  the  Mechanical  Department.  I  can  see  very  clearly 
the  results  of  these  talks  in  my  conversations  with  the  enginemen 

193 


and  firemen,  and  I  am  quite  often  asked  by  these  men  to  make  clear 
to  them  some  questions  that  come  up  and  are  not  entirely  clear  to 
them. 

I  do  not  think,  but  I  know,  that  the  instruction  in  the  Mechani- 
cal Department  has  done  a  wonderful  amount  of  good  and  is  highly 
appreciated  by  the  men. 

Respectfully  yours, 

(Signed)        S.  J.  Dillon. 


-,     ^  „    -  Altoona,  July  9,  1900. 

Mr.  C,  R.  Towson,  >  j    ^     « 

General  Secretary. 

Dear  Sir  : 

As  one  M.  P.  Instruction  Car  has  just  been  working  on  the  New 

York  Division  at  Philadelphia,  I  asked   Mr.  McLaren  for  his  view 

on  the  matter. 

Please  note  his  letter  attached,  which  I  think  is  a  pretty  good 

sign  of  the  value  of  the  instruction  room  at  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  rooms. 

Respectfully, 

(Signed)        J.  R.  Alexander, 

Air -Brake  Inspector. 


Altoona,  Pa.,  July  5,  1900. 
Mr.  J.  R.  Alexander, 

Dear  Sir: — Replying  to  your  letter,  I  would  say  that  while 
the  M.  P.  Instruction  Car  was  located  at  Philadelphia,  on  New  York 
Division,  the  rating  of  the  men  who  were  examined  on  air  brakes 
was  in  some  cases  very  high,  while  in  other  cases  it  was  necessary 
to  re-examine  some. 

I  think  this  difference  of  rating  of  the  men  was  largely  due  to  the 
fact  that  a  great  many  of  the  men  availed  themselves  of  the  oppor- 
tunity of  visiting  the  "Air-Brake  Department"  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A., 
as  the  men  who  did  so  invariably  made  a  higher  rating  in  M.  P.  Car. 

I  am  satisfied  that  the  "Air-Brake  Department"  of  the  Y.  M. 
C.  A.,  at  Fortieth  Street,  Philadelphia,  is  conducted  by  some  of  our 
best  air-brake  men  on  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  and  they  have 
made  a  very  marked  improvement  in  the  knowledge  and  efficiency 
of  all  who  have  availed  themselves  of  the  opportunity  of  attending 

their  instructions. 

(Signed)        R.  B.  McLaren, 

Air-Brake  Instructor. 

194 


No  better  testimony  than  that  contained  in  these  letters  could 
be  borne  to  the  efficient  work  the  Department  was  engaged  in. 

The  Treasurer's  report  for  the  year  ending  December  31,  1900, 
showed  the  following : 

Receipts _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ $20,406.02 

Expenditures _ _ _ _ _ 20,011.44 

Balance  on  hand  $394.58 

The  expenditures  embraced  $2500  of  debt  liquidation. 
The  summary  of  statistics  for  the  year  is  as  follows : 

Attendance. 

At  building,  week-days _ _ _ _ _ _.  125,200 

At  building,  Sundays _ _ _ _ _ _ 31,948 

At  athletic  grounds. _. _ _ _ _ _ 26,710 

Total _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 183,858 

Membership. 

Seniors _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1,517 

Juniors _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.      236 

Total _. _ _ _ _ _.  1,753 

Committeemen. 
Number  serving 351 

The  distribution  of  activities  is  shown  in  the  following  summary : 

Reugious  Meetings. 

Sunday  attendance _ _ _ _ _ _...  31,948 

Mid-week  attendance _ _ _ _ _ 705 

Cottage  attendance _ _ _ _ _ _...  73 

Special  attendance _ _ _ _ _ _ _...        963 

Total _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 33,689 

Bible  Classes. 

Attendance  at  devotional  class _ _ _ _.  758 

Attendance  at  evangelistic  class _ _ _ 190 

Attendance  at  training  class _ _ _ _ _ 429 

Attendance  at  general  class _ _ _ _ _ 61 

Total _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1,438 

195 


Kducationaiv  Classes. 
Attendance _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.  4,134 

Mechanicai,  Instruction. 
Attendance _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.  2,307 

Literary  Society. 
Attendance _ - - _ _...  2,305 

Musical. 

Number  of  organizations _ _ _. - _ 6 

Attendance _ _ - - _ _ _ _ -  3,689 

Entertainments. 

Attendance  at  Star  Course _ _ _ - _ 11,655 

Attendance  at  special  events _ - _ _ —     2,072 

Attendance  at  socials  and  receptions _ _ -—     6,345 

Total _ -_ _ - _ _ - 20,072 

Athletics. 

Attendance — in  classes _ _ - - - —-     3, 104 

Attendance — individual  exercises _ _ _.     3,454 

Visitors  to  gymnasium  and  games - 7,310 

Exercising  at  grounds _ — - - - 7,960 

Visitors  to  games,  etc.,  at  grounds— - _ -—  18,750 

Total _ - - - - - - - 40,578 

Library. 

Periodicals  in  reading-room. _ _ _ _. _.  95 

Volumes  in  library _ - - - -  -     7,647 

Volumes  circulated _ _ — _ - - —  18,710 


Miscellaneous. 

Profession  of  faith ._ _ _. _ _ - —  182 

Visits  to  sick  and  injured _ _ _ - - - 848 

196 


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Junior  Department. 

Attendance  at  rooms - - - - - 15,395 

Attendance  at  religious  meetings _ - - _...  2,039 

Attendance  at  Bible  classes _ - _ — ..  1,172 

Attendance  at  socials  and  entertainments _. ..  2,599 

Attendance  at  gymnasium  classes.— _ _ — ..  2,541 

Attendance  at  outings...- _ - — - 230 

Attendance  at  athletic  grounds _ _ - - 3,012 

Attendance  at  educational  classes...- _ — .  565 

Attendance  at  camp _ _ - _ - —  112 

Total _ _ - - - - _ _ 27,665 

The  foregoing  figures  speak  most  eloquently  of  the  scope  and 
progress  of  the  work.  With  the  close  of  the  year  1900  that  part  of 
the  history  of  the  Department  made  in  the  declining  years  of  the 
nineteenth  century  was  completed.  As  the  twentieth  century 
opened,  the  Department  took  its  place  as  a  force  in  aiding  the  rapid 
and,  to  an  extent,  the  wonderful  advancement  in  all  things  which 
tend  to  man's  higher  and  broader  development  and  which  marks  the 
opening  years  of  that  century  with  distinctness.  In  its  first  decade 
a  number  of  additions  were  added  to  the  Department's  facilities  so 
as  to  meet  the  ever-expanding  requirements  of  the  work.  Notably 
among  these  were :  the  cottage  at  Dwight  Farms,  the  Broad  Street 
Station  Annex,  an  improved  Athletic  Field,  and  the  Seashore  House. 

The  Cottage  at  Dwight  Farms. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Management  held  September 
23,  1904,  Chairman  William  A.  Patton  announced  that  as  a  memo- 
rial to  their  son  he  and  Mrs.  Patton  had  given  to  the  Philadelphia 
Association  at  Dwight  Farms  a  cottage  to  be  known  as  the  John 
Linn  Patton  Memorial  Cottage,  preference  in  its  use  to  be  given  to 
members  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department,  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia.  The  following  correspon- 
dence indicates  the  kindly  thought  of  Mr.  Patton  and  his  wishes  as 
to  the  use  of  the  cottage : 

Broad  Street  Station. 
PhiladeIvPHia,  Pa.,  September  24,  1904. 

Mr.  Chari.es  R.  Towson, 

General  Secretary,  P.  R.  R.  Department  Y.  M.  C.  A., 

41st  Street  and  Westminster  Avenue,  West  Philadelphia. 
Dear  Sir: 

For  the  information  of  yourself  and  the  Committee  of  Manage- 

197 


ment,  I  beg  to  advise  you  that  the  John  Linn  Patton  Memoriae, 
Cottage  which  has  been  erected  at  the  Dwight  Farms  of  the  Y.  M. 
C.  A.  of  Philadelphia  at  Downingtown,  Pa.,  and  to  which  reference 
was  made  at  the  regular  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Management, 
was  completed,  furnished,  and  put  into  use  on  the  twentieth  day  of 
August,  1904. 

I  enclose  for  your  information  copy  of  letter  from  myself  to 
Mr.  Walter  C.  Douglas,  General  Secretary  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  of  Phila- 
delphia, under  date  of  June  16,  1904,  and  copy  of  his  reply  to  the 
same,  in  order  that  a  proper  record  can  be  made  of  this  matter. 
You  will  note  that  while  this  cottage  is  under  the  care  of  the  Y.  M. 
C.  A.  of  Philadelphia,  it  is  expressly  stipulated  that  members  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department,  Y.  M.  C.  A.  of  Philadelphia, 
shall  always  have  preference  in  its  use.  I  think  it  will  be  well  for 
you  to  send  this  data  to  Mr.  Doran,  Secretary  (pro  tern.)  of  yester- 
day's meeting  and  let  him  incorporate  it  in  the  minutes,  so  that  there 
will  be  a  permanent  record  of  the  conditions  under  which  this  cot- 
tage was  presented.  Yours  very  truly, 

Wm.  a.  Patton. 


PhiIvAdelphia,  Pa.,  June  16,  1904. 
Mr.  Wai^ter  C.  DougIvAS, 

General  Secretary,  Young  Men's  Christian  Association, 

15th  and  Chestnut  Streets,  Philadelphia,  Pa, 
Dear  Sir  : 

If  agreeable  to  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia,  Mrs.  Patton  and  I  would  like 
to  make  a  contribution  towards  that  most  excellent  branch  of  your 
work  which  is  now  being  conducted  at  the  Dwight  Farms,  by  erect- 
ing a  suitable  cottage,  with  necessary  furnishings,  in  memory  of  our 
son  who  departed  this  life  October  6,  1900,  the  cottage  to  be  con- 
structed on  plans  already  submitted  to  you,  and  to  be  designated 
as  the  "John  Linn  Patton  Memoriai,  Cottage."  In  the  use  of 
the  cottage  preference  should  be  given  to  members  of  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad  Department,  Y.  M.  C.  A.  of  Philadelphia. 

If  this  offer  is  acceptable  to  the  Board  I  will  arrange  with  the 
contractors  to  proceed  with  the  erection  of  the  building  at  once, 
with  a  view  to  having  it  completed  in  time  for  occupancy  sometime 
during  the  month  of  August,  1904. 

Yours  very  truly, 

Wm.  a.  Patton. 

198 


WALTER  C.  DOUGLAS, 
General  Secretary  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia. 


Philadelphia,  June  22,  1904. 
Mr.  Wm.  a.  Patton, 

Broad  Street  Station, 

Philadelphia,  Penna. 
Dear  Mr.  Patton: 

I  have  received  and  filed  as  a  part  of  the  minutes  of  our  last 
meeting  your  letter  concerning  the  cottage.  It  gives  the  Directors 
more  than  ordinary  pleasure  to  accept  and  care  for  that  cottage,  and 
it  will  have  a  peculiar  interest,  not  only  to  Mrs.  Douglas  and  myself, 
but  to  the  members  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department. 

I  met  Mr.  Gregory  yesterday,  and  at  seven  o'clock  this  morning 
had  the  site  marked  out,  the  lines  drawn,  and  the  work  ready  to  pro- 
ceed. It  will  undoubtedly  be  finished  in  time  to  be  of  great  service 
at  the  most  crowded  part  of  our  season. 

Yours  very  truly, 

Walter  C.  Douglas. 

The  Dwight  Farms  on  which  the  memorial  cottage  was  erected  is 
a  fine  estate  of  465  acres,  300  of  which  are  woodland,  situated  within 
a  half-mile  of  Downingtown  on  the  main  line  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad.  It  has  a  frontage  on  Brandywine  Creek,  whose  waters 
are  of  exceptional  purity.  The  estate  was  presented  to  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia  in  1895  by  Mr.  E.  P. 
Dwight,  who  for  years  had  been  president  of  the  Chester  Steel  Cast- 
ing Company,  a  member  of  the  vestry  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  of  the  Epiphany,  and  deeply  interested  in  the  work  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  The  cottage  is  the  largest  and 
most  attractive  one  on  the  estate;  it  has  a  fine  sitting-room,  wide 
verandas,  a  number  of  bedrooms  with  bath,  and  a  well-selected 
library.  The  members  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department 
have  all  the  privileges  of  the  resort.  No  additional  fee  is  required, 
and  railroad  men  can  go  there  and  spend  their  week-end  or  vacation, 
whether  for  a  single  day  or  for  weeks,  at  the  rate  of  one  dollar  a  day, 
one  dollar  and  seventy-five  cents  from  Saturday  afternoon  to  Monday 
morning,  or  five  dollars  a  week.  This  covers' room,  board  and  all  ex- 
penses, as  there  are  no  fees  for  the  use  of  the  club-house,  games, 
library,  athletic  grounds,  swimming-pool  and  other  attractions  of  the 
place.  The  Pennsylvania  Railroad  men  have  used  the  privileges  in 
large  numbers,  some  going  there  over  Sundays,  others  for  their  entire 
vacation,  and  still  others  in  groups  for  a  day's  outing. 

The  Farms  are  under  the  direct  supervision  and  administration 

199 


of  Mr.  Walter  C.  Douglas  and  his  wife,  who  spare  no  pains  in  making 
the  sojourn  of  the  visitors  one  of  pleasure,  comfort  and  happiness. 
Mr.  Douglas  is  a  man  who  with  all  the  qualifications  for  a  brilliant 
professional  career  deliberately  turned  his  face  from  toward  the  glit- 
tering opportunities  which  presented  themselves  to  him  in  that  di- 
rection, and  devoted  himself  and  his  life-work  to  advancing  the  inter- 
ests of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  His  superb  optimism, 
self -poise,  fluent  speech,  tireless  energy  and  ever-present  enthusiasm 
displayed  during  the  last  two  decades  in  Philadelphia  have  deeply 
impressed  his  personality  upon  the  moral  and  spiritual  uplift  of  the 
community.  During  that  period  he  has  been  a  consistent  and  per- 
sistent friend  of  this  Department,  ever  ready  with  sound  advice,  active 
assistance  and  cheery  encouragement  in  furthering  the  objects  for 
which  it  was  instituted.  With  a  keen  intellect,  a  well-stored  mind 
and  a  heart  overflowing  with  love  for  mankind,  he  has  administered 
the  affairs  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia 
with  such  consummate  skill  and  unselfish  zeal  that  the  great  success 
that  that  Association  has  achieved  can  largely  be  attributed  to  his 
efforts. 

Broad  Street  Station  Annex. 

With  the  heavy  responsibilities  resting  upon  him,  the  President 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  Mr.  Alexander  J.  Cassatt, 
never  omitted  to  give  his  close  consideration  of  all  things  pertain- 
ing to  the  best  interests  of  the  Company's  employes.  Nowhere  did 
he  show  more  solicitude  in  that  direction  than  in  the  work  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association  among  the  men  connected  with 
the  transportation  lines  of  which  he  was  the  responsible  head.  He 
gave  liberally  of  his  means  to  advance  the  work,  and  was  ever  ready 
in  his  official  capacity  to  promote  it.  When  to  meet  the  requirements 
of  rapidly  expanding  freight  traffic  and  constantly  increasing  popu- 
lation it  became  necessary  to  close  the  Fortieth  Street  Station  on  the 
main  line,  Mr.  Cassatt  planned  that  the  closing  should  not  be  detri- 
mental to  the  Department's  work.  That  station  was  on  the  grounds 
occupied  by  the  main  building  of  the  Department,  and  a  most  con- 
venient access  to  it.  The  closing  of  it  was  looked  upon  by  a  great 
many  persons  interested  in  the  work  of  the  Department  as  a  serious 
drawback  to  the  movement,  but  Mr.  Cassatt,  in  planning  the  pro- 
gressive physical  betterment  of  the  railroad,  decreed  that  the  work 
of  the  Department  should  not  only  not  suffer  nor  be  curtailed,  but 
that  provision  should  be  made  for  expanding  it.     His  plans  as  to 

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the  latter  were  unfolded  at  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Manage- 
ment held  December  16,  1901,  whereat  Mr.  William  A.  Patton,  his 
Assistant  and  Chairman  of  the  Department,  expressed  himself  as 
being  highly  pleased  with  the  attendance  at  the  main  building  gener- 
ally, and  especially  at  the  Sunday  afternoon  meetings,  notwithstand- 
ing the  closing  of  the  station,  and  announced  that  the  Board  of 
Directors  and  the  executive  and  operating  officers  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  Company,  being  in  earnest  sympathy  with  the  work  of  the 
Department,  had  been  seriously  considering  the  possible  adverse 
effect  the  closing  might  have  upon  it;  that  the  result  of  such  consider- 
ation was  the  offer  of  Mr.  Cassatt,  as  an  offset  to  any  possible  injury 
that  might  ensue  this  closing,  to  provide  any  one  of  the  following 
places  to  accommodate  those  who  might  be  deprived  of  the  use  of  the 
main  building:  a  floor  in  the  new  building  to  be  erected  at  Fifteenth 
and  Market  Streets,  the  assembly  room  in  Broad  Street  Station, 
or  a  floor  in  the  new  building  being  erected  as  an  Annex  to  Broad 
Street  Station  at  Fifteenth  and  Filbert  Streets. 

After  full  and  thorough  consideration  by  all  interested  parties 
the  last  proposition  was  deemed  the  best.  That  conclusion  being  in 
accord  with  Mr.  Cassatt's  views,  he  assigned  the  selected  floor  for  the 
uses  of  the  Department.  The  floor  assigned  was  the  ninth,  or  top, 
floor,  was  readily  accessible  to  the  office  and  trainmen  employed  in 
and  around  Broad  Street  Station,  and  contained  about  seven  thou- 
sand square  feet  of  floor  space.  In  fitting  it  up  the  space  was  divided 
as  follows : 

Gymnasium. _ _ _ _ _ - - 31  x  45  feet 

Locker-room _ - - - - - 7  x  31 

Baths  and  lavatories  . _ - - - 18  x  18 

Reading-room   _ _ - - - —  18  x  38 

Class-room _ _ - - - - - 18  x  19 

Social-room _ _ _ - - - - 38  x  38 

Shuffleboard-room...- _ _ - - — .  25  x  40     " 

Coat-room  and  office _ _ _ - - 

All  the  rooms  were  properly  equipped  with  the  latest  improve- 
ments in  furniture  and  apparatus  necessary  to  carry  on  the  work. 
Professor  Sims,  who  for  a  number  of  years  had  been  the  Department's 
Physical  Director,  was  early  assigned  as  Secretary  and  Physical 
Director  of  the  Annex,  and  his  administration  of  the  trust  confided 
to  him  has  been  fruitful  of  good  results. 

The  Annex  was  opened  on  April  6,  1903,  with  appropriate  dedi- 
catory ceremonies.     Its  facilities  were  at  once  taken  advantage  of 

20I 


by  those  for  whom  they  were  intended.     The  schedule  of  events  put 
into  effect  were: 

Regular  gymnasium  classes  daily   (except  Saturday)  at  5.10 

P.  M.     Evening  classes  will  be  arranged  if  there  is  sufficient 

demand  for  them. 
Shorthand   and   typewriting  classes;  elementary,  5.15  to  7.15 

P.  M.,  Monday  and  Thursday. 
Class  in  railroad  transportation,  Monday  and  Thursday,  5  to 

7  P.  M. 
Bible  study  clubs,  Friday  evenings,  from  6  to  7.30  o'clock. 
Trainmen's  Bible-class,  Tuesday,  2  to  3  P.  M. 

From  the  opening,  interest  in  the  work  has  been  of  continuing 
growth,  until  now  so  many  railroad  men  avail  themselves  of  the 
advantages  and  opportunities  offered  at  the  Annex,  that  with  the 
creation  of  an  enlarged  scope  of  activities  the  quarters  are  becoming 
cramped  and  more  room  an  imperative  necessity. 

Athi^etic  Field. 

The  field  at  Fifty-second  and  Jefferson  Streets  had  attained  a 
high  degree  of  perfection,  when  early  in  1902  it  became  apparent 
that  it  would  have  to  be  abandoned  to  make  way  for  the  improve- 
ments the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  was  making  in  the 
vicinity.  In  view  of  that  fact  the  Athletic  Committee,  under  the 
able  and  energetic  chairmanship  of  Mr.  J.  N.  Purviance,  set  about 
securing  another  location.  They  were  fortunate  in  securing  the 
field  at  Belmont  and  Parkside  Avenues  which  had  been  used  by 
the  Central  Branch  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of 
Philadelphia,  and  relinquished  by  it  at  the  close  of  the  season  of 
1902.  It  was  secured  for  the  Department  by  lease  from  the  Fair- 
mount  Park  Association  of  Philadelphia.  It  was  enlarged  by  the 
addition  of  adjoining  property  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Company  on  which  there  was  a  two-story  house  originally  erected 
and  used  as  a  passenger  station  during  the  Centennial  Exhibition. 
Work  was  immediately  begun  and  the  grounds  put  in  greatly 
improved  condition,  and  so  laid  out  that  the  greatest  development 
of  field  sports  and  exercises  could  be  attained.  The  two-story 
building  was  entirely  remodeled  for  use  as  a  club-house  and  fitted 
up  with  the  essentials  for  team  and  individual  requirements  of  the 
members  using  the  field.  The  field  was  formally  opened  on  May 
2,  1903,  with  a  game  of  baseball  between  the  Department's  team 

202 


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and  a  team  from  West  Philadelphia  before  an  audience  of  over 
three  thousand  persons,  including  a  number  of  the  higher  officers 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company.  After  Mr.  Purviance  had 
introduced  the  teams  Mr.  William  A.  Patton  threw  the  first  ball. 
The  game  resulted  in  a  score  of  21  to  2  in  favor  of  the  Department's 
team,  which,  marshaled  by  Mr.  Charles  A.  Mann,  Chairman  of  the 
Sub-Committee  on  Baseball,  and  accompanied  by  Mr.  J.  W.  Sims, 
Physical  Director,  was  made  up  as  follows:  H.  Schoenhut,  Captain; 
L.  Schoenhut,  J.  McCullough,  O.  Plummer,  T.  Strayer,  J.  Wood, 
T.  Griffenburg,  H.  Miller,  A.  Hilborn,  H.  Brady. 

From  the  time  of  opening  the  field  until  the  present  there  has 
not  been  any  cessation  in  the  efforts  to  improve  it,  its  equipment 
and  facilities.  The  eflfect  of  these  efforts  has  been  to  provide  the 
Department  with  one  of  the  finest  athletic  fields  in  the  country. 
The  buildings  and  stands  are  valued  at  $7500.  The  policy  of  having 
but  a  single  representative  team  in  each  branch  of  field  sport  to 
compete  with  teams  of  outside  organizations  had  been  looked  upon 
for  some  time  with  doubt  as  to  its  being  the  correct  one  to  pursue 
in  the  development  of  the  work  of  the  Department,  as  its  tendency 
was  toward  building  up  professionalism  to  the  detriment  of  the 
general  membership,  shutting  them  out  from  the  advantage  to  be 
derived  by  the  individual  or  groups  of  individuals  engaging  in  the 
sports.  This  doubt  led  to  action,  and  in  the  season  of  1906  the 
custom  of  maintaining  single  teams  was  abolished  and  the  organizing 
of  aggressive  teams  representing  the  various  departments  of  the 
railroad  service  to  compete  against  each  other  was  substituted. 
This  change  in  policy  has  met  with  wonderful  success,  and  has 
resulted  in  the  formation  of  numerous  leagues,  notably  the  General 
Office  Baseball  League,  which  comprises  teams  representing  sixteen 
departments  in  the  service,  resulting  in  a  great  advancement  in 
amateur  sport,  a  more  extensive  use  of  the  field  and  a  closer  affilia- 
tion of  the  rank  and  file  of  the  employes  of  the  Company.  The  aver- 
age daily  attendance  of  men  exercising  in  the  field  during  the  season 
of  1909  was  100.  The  use  of  the  field  commenced  early  in  the  morn- 
ing with  the  night  men,  continued  with  the  boys  early  in  the  afternoon 
and  the  men  later,  so  that  some  railroad  employes  or  their  sons 
derived  benefit  from  this  feature  of  the  Department's  work  during 
practically  all  the  hours  of  dayhght.  The  field  provides  facilities 
for  nearly  all  outdoor  games.  It  has  an  excellent  baseball  diamond ; 
four  tennis  courts,  underdrained  and  up  to  date  in  every  respect, 
with  substantial  wire  back -stops;  a  well-kept  cinder  running  track, 

203 


five  laps  to  the  mile;  jumping-pits;  vaulting-poles;  hurdles;  in 
fact,  every  equipment  desired  by  the  outdoor  enthusiast.  Also  a 
club-house  which  furnishes  many  conveniences  like  shower-baths 
and  lockers,  the  latter  large,  roomy  and  steel-woven.  An  old 
frame  house  which  stood  at  the  lower  section  of  the  field  has  been 
torn  down  and  a  new  one  erected  in  its  place  for  the  use  of  tennis 
players  and  visiting  teams.  In  season  it  is  open  from  daylight 
until  sunset,  and  is  under  the  direct  supervision  of  Physical  Director 
John  T.  Coleman. 

The  Seashore  House. 

Ocean  City,  N.  J.,  which  was  organized  and  founded  by  the 
Ocean  City  Association,  an  organization  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  is  a  highly  moral  resort.  Its  restrictions  prohibit  gambling 
and  the  sale  of  intoxicants,  and  prevent  the  toleration  of  vice  in  any 
shape  or  disguise.  It  has  seven  miles  of  beach-front  on  the  Atlantic 
Ocean,  and  as  many  more  on  the  Great  Egg  Harbor  Bay.  Its  favor- 
able location,  readily  accessible,  affording  a  fine  opportunity  for 
bathing,  fishing  and  boating,  makes  it  an  ideal  place  for  the  seeker 
after  health  and  rest  to  sojourn.  It  was  these  advantages  that 
prompted  the  Department  to  locate  its  camp  for  boys  at  that  place. 
The  present  club-house,  located  at  First  Street  and  Bay  Avenue, 
is  the  outgrowth  of  the  first  boys'  camp,  which  was  held  there  in 
July,  1898.  The  first  group  of  boys  going  into  camp  pitched  their 
tents  at  Third  Street  scarcely  more  than  a  stone-throw  from  the 
location  on  which  the  club-house  now  stands.  So  enthusiastic  were 
these  first  campers  over  their  camp  life  that  at  once  they  began 
entertaining  visions  of  some  day  possessing  a  permanent  home  in 
the  locality.  With  the  visions  came  the  determination  to  realize 
them,  and  they  then  and  there  started  a  fund  for  the  purpose.  From 
that  beginning,  and  the  entrance  of  Mr.  O.  J.  De  Rousse  as  Chair- 
man of  the  Junior  Department,  the  club-house  was  not  only  made 
possible  but  became  an  assured  fact.  Mr.  De  Rousse's  great  interest 
in  the  work  for  boys  and  his  having  been  for  a  long  time  a  summer 
resident  in  Ocean  City  peculiarly  fitted  him  for  the  leader  to  erect 
such  a  building.  It  was  through  his  solicitations  and  efforts  that 
the  Ocean  City  Association  donated  and  deeded  the  necessary  land 
and  water-front  to  be  used  for  the  purpose,  and  it  was  through  his 
inspiring  pleas  for  financial  support,  made  to  the  friends  of  the  De- 
partment, that  sufficient  funds  were  secured  to  erect  and  equip  the 
building.     He  was  ably  seconded  by  the  boys  and  strongly  supported 

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by  Mr.  Patton,  Chairman  of  the  Department.  A  three-story  house 
with  wide  porches  was  eventually  erected,  and  its  formal  opening 
was  efifected  on  July  1,  1905.  The  visions  of  '98  became  reality  in 
'05.  The  book-cost  in  cash  expended  in  the  erection  was  $7052.90, 
but  as  this  amount  does  not  include  donations  of  a  great  deal  of  the 
lumber,  foundation  piling  and  other  material  used  in  the  enterprise, 
the  real  cost  represents  an  outlay  of  over  $10,000. 

The  house  stands  at  high  tide  in  fifteen  feet  of  water,  with  boats 
of  varied  character  and  various  utility  moored  around  it  when  not 
in  use,  and  the  Pennsy,  a  fine  seagoing  craft,  proudly  cutting  the 
surrounding  waters.  The  latter  is  staunchly  built,  strong,  roomy 
and  comfortable,  and  rides  the  sea,  gentle  or  rough,  on  a  smooth, 
even  keel.  It  has  a  15-horsepower  engine  installed,  with  a  Gordon 
reverse  gear,  and  is  supplied  with  life-preservers,  signal  lights,  horns, 
whistles,  etc.,  in  compliance  with  the  United  States  Government 
regulations.  It  was  put  in  commission  in  1909,  and  cost  about  $1500. 
The  house  contains  sleeping  accommodations  for  about  fifty  persons 
and  dining-room  accommodations  for  more  than  that  number. 
The  privileges  it  offers  are  comfortable  beds;  plain  and  substantial 
cooking  served  in  a  light  and  airy  dining-room;  large  porches;  a 
reception-room;  books  and  magazines;  telephone  service;  and  elec- 
tric lights  in  all  rooms.  In  addition,  its  floating  equipment  permits 
of  rowing,  sailing,  fishing  and  life-saving  service,  while  baseballs, 
bats,  quoits  and  other  athletic  equipment  provide  for  the  playing 
of  field  games.     Beach  bathing  is  both  fine  and  safe. 

During  the  months  of  July  and  August  the  house  is  practically 
given  over  to  the  almost  exclusive  use  of  the  Juniors,  but  before  and 
after  this  period,  in  the  early  spring  and  fall,  members  of  the  Senior 
Department  are  permitted  to  use  the  club-house  under  certain  re- 
strictions; hence,  Saturdays  and  Sundays  from  early  March  to  late 
November,  the  house  is  in  almost  constant  use  by  groups  of  a  dozen  or 
more  of  the  Senior  members. 

The  schedule  of  rates  during  the  active  period  at  the  shore  is  as 
follows : 

Juniors,  sixteen  years  and  under $2.50  per  week 

Intermediates,  eighteen  years  and  under $3.50  per  week 

Seniors $1.00  per  day,  or  $6.00  per  week 

To  the  charm  of  the  sea  and  the  health-giving  salt  air  is  added 
all  the  comforts  of  a  home  and  the  facilities  for  moral  and  physical 
enjoyment.    Competent  adult  committeemen  together  with  the  Boys* 

205 


Work  Director,  under  the  immediate  and  direct  personal  command  of 
General  Secretary  Bartlett,  ably  assisted  by  Mrs.  Bartlett,  give  their 
attention  to  the  boys  and  put  forth  every  effort  to  so  guide  them 
that  their  life  at  the  seashore  may  be  morally  and  physically  safe. 
During  the  season  of  1909  no  less  than  400  men  and  boys  visited 
the  house  and  took  advantage  of  the  opportunities  it  offers  for 
rest  and  enjoyment. 

In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  a  valuable  library  contribution 
was  made  to  the  Department  and  a  pipe  organ  was  added  to  its 
equipment.  Early  in  the  year  1904  Mr.  and  Mrs.  William  A.  Patton 
gave  to  the  Department  a  choice  collection  of  books  which  had 
been  the  personal  property  of  their  son,  the  late  John  Linn  Patton. 
The  Library  Committee  in  accepting  it  for  the  Department  expressed 
the  desire  that  the  gift  be  made  the  nucleus  for  a  library  especially 
adapted  to  the  needs  of  the  Junior  and  Intermediate  members,  and 
that  the  name  "The  John  Linn  Patton  Memorial  Library"  be  given 
to  it.  The  suggestion  met  with  the  approval  of  the  donors,  who 
since  that  time  have  continued  adding  to  the  original  collection, 
until  now  it  forms  a  prominent  educational  feature  of  the  Depart- 
ment, with  a  great  and  lasting  influence  in  its  helpfulness  to  young 
men. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Management  held  June  17, 
1904,  Chairman  Patton  stated  that  there  had  been  some  agitation 
among  certain  members  relative  to  the  possibility  of  Mr.  Andrew 
Carnegie  placing  an  organ  in  the  auditorium,  but  that  it  would  not 
be  necessary  to  appeal  to  Mr.  Carnegie  for  that  purpose,  as  he  was 
very  glad  to  say  that  some  friends  deeply  interested  in  the  Depart- 
ment's welfare  were  willing  to  place  a  pipe  organ  of  suitable  size 
in  the  auditorium,  to  cost  about  $5000,  if  such  a  gift  was  accept- 
able. The  offer  was  accepted,  and  a  fine  Haskell  organ  was  installed 
at  a  cost  of  .$5500.  The  installation  was  completed  for  use  in  the 
services  and  musical  entertainments  held  and  given  during  the  winter 
of  1904-05.  The  gift  of  this  instrument  enabled  the  Department 
not  only  to  add  dignity  and  solemnity  to  the  music  accompanying 
its  religious  services,  but  also  enabled  it  to  plan  for  organ  recitals 
and  other  musical  events,  which  have  since  been  given  to  the  edifi- 
cation and  uplifting  of  the  members. 

An  interesting  event  took  place  in  the  auditorium  of  the  main 
building  in  January,  1905,  which  made  a  lasting  impression  on  the 

206 


GROVER  CLEVELAND, 
President  of  the  United  States,  1885-1889,  1893-1897. 


members  of  the  Department.  The  occasion  was  during  the  semi- 
centennial of  the  organization  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation of  Philadelphia.  Three  meetings  were  arranged  for  and  held 
on  Sunday,  January  29,  one  at  the  Union  Tabernacle  Church  in 
Kensington,  one  at  the  Garrick  Theatre,  and  one  at  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad  Department's  building.  At  the  latter,  former 
President  of  the  United  States  Grover  Cleveland  delivered  an  address 
wherein  he  paid  a  high  tribute  to  the  Department  and  the  advance- 
ment it  had  made.  Mr.  Cleveland,  upon  being  fittingly  introduced  by 
Mr.  William  A.  Patton  to  a  large  audience  which  tested  the  capacity 
of  the  auditorium  to  its  utmost  limit,  arose  and  spoke  as  follows: 

"Mr.  Chairman  and  Ladies  and  Gentlemen: — This  occasion 
is  full  of  inspiration  for  those  who  delight  in  the  success  and  growth 
of  a  good  cause.  The  contemplation  of  the  moral,  intellectual  and 
educational  results  which  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
of  Philadelphia  has  wrought  within  its  life  of  fifty  years  is  a  cure 
for  pessimism,  and  serves  to  reinstate  our  belief  that  the  value 
our  people  place  upon  the  things  to  be  desired  is  not  altogether 
measured  by  immediate  returns  in  money  or  selfish  indulgence.  As 
we  view  the  unprecedented  American  rush  for  wealth  and  trade  ad- 
vantages, we  are  apt  to  give  entrance  to  the  fear  that  patriotism  and 
good  citizenship  are  left  behind  in  the  race.  We  do  not  always  see, 
through  the  dust  and  turmoil,  that  the  instrumentalities  of  civic 
righteousness  are  still  holding  their  own.  We  hear  the  din  and 
shouting  of  money-getting,  and  we  are  not  always  certain  that  in 
the  midst  of  it  all  the  steady  voice  of  conscience  is  pleading  for  better 
things.  It  is  well,  therefore,  that  occasions  like  this  in  which  we 
today  take  part  should  be  appointed,  to  the  end  that  we  may  more 
fully  learn  that  moral  achievements  should  be  added  to  phenomenal 
material  success  in  taking  an  inventory  of  our  country's  valuable 
possessions. 

"  In  reviewing  the  moral  achievements  today  made  manifest, 
it  should  be  considered  cause  of  special  congratulation  that  they 
have  not  been  exclusively  reached  by  means  entirely  set  apart  from 
business  and  everyday  affairs,  or  such  as  are  altogether  confined  to 
the  domain  of  strictly  religious  teaching.  Perhaps  it  would  be  better 
to  say  that  our  review  furnishes  gratifying  evidence  that  not  only 
the  churches  and  other  purely  religious  agencies  of  our  land  are  in 
important  relationship  to  the  work  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association,  but  that  these  associations,  as  promoters  of  industry, 

207 


sobriety,  trustworthiness  and  thrift,  are  also  in  close  alliance  with 
the  best  business  and  material  interests  of  the  country. 

"  The  career  and  work  of  the  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  is  especially  valuable  as  proof  of  this 
proposition.  The  religious  privileges  which  this  Department  has 
supplied  have  been  so  effective  and  so  well  appreciated  that  many  of 
its  members  have  been  thereby  led  to  church-membership ;  and  at  the 
same  time  the  immense  railroad  corporation  which  encourages  and 
contributes  to  the  maintenance  of  this  Department  organized  among 
those  in  its  service,  has  secured  through  its  varied  ministrations  a 
body  of  employes  whose  regard  for  duty,  fitness  for  the  work  assigned 
to  them  and  care  for  the  lives  and  property  placed  in  their  immediate 
charge  have  made  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  in  its  management 
and  operation  a  model  for  all  other  like  enterprises.  At  this  point 
we  should  not  fail  to  notice  the  instructive  fact  that  the  success  of 
this  department  of  Christian  Association  work  has  largely  resulted 
from  its  intelligent  foundation  and  the  application  to  its  activities 
of  sensible  ideas  and  a  knowledge  of  the  laws  governing  human 
nature.  The  employes  constituting  its  membership  are  not  chilled 
or  repelled  by  the  feeling  that  its  advantages  are  tendered  them  as 
mere  matters  of  bald  charity.  The  organization  and  its  advantages 
are  theirs,  and  the  railroad  company  only  stands  in  the  relation  of 
a  generous  contributor  to  the  cause.  So  it  comes  about  that  increase 
in  membership,  and  the  consequent  increase  of  membership  dues, 
shows  a  growing  desire  on  the  part  of  employes  to  support  the  organ- 
ization and  to  avail  themselves  of  the  advantages  of  improvement 
which  it  affords,  while  the  increasing  contributions  of  the  railroad 
company,  and  its  hearty  encouragement  in  every  way,  demonstrates 
its  liberality,  as  well  as  its  intelligent  realization  of  the  fact  that  both 
the  moral  and  mental  excellence  of  its  employes  are  among  its  most 
valuable  assets. 

"  I  have  sometimes  had  a  shadow  of  fear  that  many  young  men 
whose  lives  are  full  of  hard  work,  whose  existence  is  bounded  on 
every  side  by  physical  effort,  and  whose  ideals  are  naturally 
suggestive  of  physical  strength  and  sturdiness,  attach  to  the  word 
Christian  a  meaning  which  indicates  something  soft  and  ener- 
vating— good  enough  for  women  and  children,  but  unsuited  to  an 
arena  where  the  hard  blows  of  labor  are  given  and  taken.  Of 
course  such  a  notion  as  this,  universally  entertained  by  men  as 
stalwart  as  railroad  employes,  would  be  a  sad  hindrance,  if  not 
actually  destructive,  to  Christian  Association  work   among   them; 

208 


but  at  this  moment,  and  under  the  influence  of  present  surround- 
ings, I  feel  like  confessing  that  at  least  so  far  as  the  railroad 
employes  embraced  within  this  Department  are  concerned,  my 
fears  have  done  injustice  to  a  body  of  men  too  thoughtful  and 
too  sensible  to  permit  such  a  foolish  misconception  to  gain 
influential  headway.  I  wish  I  could  be  certain  that  conditions  are 
such  everywhere  as  to  oblige  me  to  ask  universal  and  unqualified  for- 
giveness on  account  of  my  fears.  The  fact  is,  the  word  '  Christian ' 
has  broad  significance  and  various  shades  of  meaning;  but  in  all  its 
meanings  it  signifies,  not  weakness,  and  not  the  nerveless  complacency 
of  an  amiable  belief,  but  a  rugged  faith  in  God  and  his  purposes 
toward  men,  strength  of  heart,  head  and  hand,  cheerfulness,  courage, 
dutiful  work,  and  the  perseverance  that  points  the  way  to  success. 
As  meaning  a  religious  belief  in  God  and  the  redemption  of  the  world 
through  Christ,  Christianity  gave,  in  its  early  days,  to  those  perse- 
cuted and  dying  for  its  sake,  such  strength,  courage  and  aggressive 
force  as  no  other  cause  has  ever  inspired,  and  which  no  other  incidents 
or  emergencies  in  the  history  of  our  race  have  produced.  Those  who 
voyaged  in  the  face  of  doubts  and  dangers  to  New  England's  'storm 
and  rock-bound  coast'  were  in  search  of  '  freedom  to  worship  God ' ; 
but  they  both  prayed  and  tilled  the  soil  with  their  guns  ready  at 
hand.  They  fought  with  bloody  and  treacherous  savages  in  defense 
of  their  lives  and  their  homes,  and  they  endured  with  fortitude  born 
of  their  religious  creed  and  trust  in  God,  privations  and  sufferings 
unsupportable  without  such  trust.  These  were  Christians  who  settled 
and  cultivated  a  new  continent  and  made  the  beginnings  of  a  great 
people. 

"Our  history  also  illustrates  the  meaning  of  the  word  'Chris- 
tian' as  it  may  be  used  to  signify  a  reverent  confession  of  God's 
control  of  the  afifairs  of  man.  Washington,  in  the  darkest  days 
of  the  Revolution,  had  constant  faith  in  the  overruling  providence 
of  God ;  and  in  that  faith  he  fought  gloriously  and  became  the  Father 
of  his  Country.  This  same  faith  was  present  in  the  convention 
that  framed  our  constitution  and  gave  the  breath  of  life  to  the 
American  nation.  At  a  perplexing  time  in  its  deliberations,  Ben- 
jamin Franklin,  in  proposing  that  daily,  at  the  opening  of  its 
sessions,  prayer  be  offered  imploring  divine  assistance  in  its  work, 
said: 

'"In  the  begiiming  of  the  contest  with  Great  Britain,  when 
we  were  sensible  of  danger,  we  had  daily  prayer  in  this  room  for 
the  divine  protection.     Our  prayers  were  heard,   and   they  were 

209 


graciously  answered.  All  of  us  who  were  engaged  in  the  struggle 
must  have  observed  frequent  instances  of  a  superintending 
Providence  in  our  favor.  To  that  kind  Providence  we  owe  this 
happy  opportunity  of  consulting  in  peace  on  the  means  of  establish- 
ing our  future  national  felicity.  And  have  we  now  forgotten  that 
powerful  Friend;  or  do  we  imagine  that  we  no  longer  need  His  assist- 
ance? I  have  lived  a  long  time;  and  the  longer  I  live  the  more  con- 
vincing proof  I  see  of  this  truth — that  God  governs  in  the  affairs  of 
men.  And  if  a  sparrow  cannot  fall  to  the  ground  without  his  notice, 
is  it  probable  that  an  empire  can  rise  without  His  aid?  We  have  been 
assured  in  the  sacred  writings  that  "except  the  Lord  build  the  house, 
they  labor  in  vain  that  build  it."  I  firmly  believe  this;  and  I  also 
believe  that  without  His  concurring  aid  we  shall  succeed  in  this 
political  building  no  better  than  the  builders  of  Babel.' 

"  I  have  ventured  to  make  this  long  and  perhaps  familiar  quota- 
tion because  it  indicates  better  than  I  could  by  any  language  of 
mine,  the  spirit  and  the  belief  in  which  our  national  life  had  its 
birth  and  growth. 

"  The  time  of  peril  came  when  the  perpetuity  of  the  nation  thus 
established  was  threatened,  and  when  its  preservation  demanded 
that  there  should  be  in  government  direction  and  administration 
a  strong  arm,  a  rugged  purpose  and  dauntless  courage.  These  were 
forthcoming;  but  let  it  not  for  a  moment  be  forgotten  that  with 
these  Abraham  Lincoln  also  brought  to  his  country's  service  a 
Christian  spirit  and  an  unfaltering  reliance  upon  the  power  and  pro- 
tecting arm  of  God.  His  Emancipation  Proclamation  was  the  most 
thrilling  incident  of  the  war  he  waged  for  our  national  salvation; 
and  the  sublimity  of  his  Christian  character  was  never  more  brightly 
manifested  than  when  in  speaking  of  the  credit  due  for  the  accom- 
plishment of  emancipation  he  reverently  declared,  '  God  alone  can 
claim  it.' 

"Surely  history  furnishes  no  better  examples  of  rugged  strength 
and  ability  to  perform  hard  tasks  and  to  suffer  with  fortitude  than 
are  found  in  our  country's  beginning,  in  its  baptism  of  blood  in  the 
name  of  liberty,  in  its  constitutional  establishment  as  a  nation  and 
in  its  rescue  from  impending  destruction.  And  yet  the  wonders  of 
hardship,  and  the  patience  and  the  sufferings  of  war  through  which 
these  things  were  wrought  out,  were  borne  by  men  animated  by  the 
Christian  spirit — belief  and  faith  in  God.  It  is  thus  that  we  have 
been  made  a  Christian  people,  and  thus  our  national  happiness  and 
beneficence  is  bounded  by  our  obedience  to  the  law  of  our  creation. 


2IO 


James  Russell  Lowell,  when  asked  by  a  distinguished  foreigner  how 
long  the  American  Republic  would  endure,  replied:  'So  long  as  the 
ideas  of  the  men  who  founded  it  continue  dominant.'  Is  this  any 
more  or  less  than  a  declaration  by  this  eminent  American  that  our 
devotion  and  obedience  to  the  Christian  spirit  which  gave  birth  to  the 
ideas  of  the  men  who  founded  our  nation,  fixed  the  limits  of  our 
national  existence? 

"Such  a  suggestion  as  this  has  a  solemn  and  impressive  import, 
and  leads  to  the  unescapable  reflection  that  in  this  Christian  country 
there  should  be  no  public  policy  adopted  by  our  government  until 
its  relations  to  public  morality  have  been  tested  by  Christian  stan- 
dards, and  that  these  same  standards  should  be  applied  to  every 
movement  professedly  intended  for  the  social,  intellectual  or  in- 
dustrial betterment  of  our  people.  As  a  serious-minded  people, 
conscious  of  the  immense  responsibility  resting  upon  us  in  the 
solution  of  the  problem  of  popular  rule,  we  should  be  a  reverent 
people — not  merely  in  lip-service,  but  ruggedly,  strongly  reverent. 
This  is  not  to  say  that  we  should  be  a  sad  and  gloomy  people.  On 
the  contrary,  with  free  institutions,  and  with  equality  of  rights 
and  opportunities  which  no  other  country  offers,  we  should  be  the 
most  cheerful  and  light-hearted  people  in  the  world. 

"  Neither  the  reverence  nor  the  Christian  spirit  of  which  I  have 
spoken  is  chilling,  stifling  nor  repellant.  Reverence  merely  enjoins 
upon  us  the  improvement  of  our  lives  and  work,  by  a  thoughtful  study 
of  the  character  and  successes  of  those  who  labored  early  in  the  field 
which  through  them  we  have  inherited;  and  a  Christian  spirit  teaches 
us  that  charity,  unselfishness,  forbearance  and  the  moralities  of  life 
surround  us  in  everything  we  do,  and  that  obedience  to  their  require- 
ments will  make  us  stronger  and  more  cheerful  in  our  work,  and  will 
add  zest  and  happiness  to  our  hours  of  rest  and  recreation. 

"  In  this  view  nothing  could  be  more  consistent  than  the  appear- 
ance of  the  word  'Christian'  in  the  title  of  an  association  which 
combines  religious  teaching  and  leading  with  opportunities  for  edu- 
cation and  improvement  in  every  direction,  and  abundant  facilities 
for  physical  culture  and  rational  and  manly  recreation,  while  stimu- 
lating at  the  same  time  the  sentiments  that  count  for  honor,  truth- 
fulnesss,  sobriety  and  honest  devotion  to  duty  and  service. 

"It  is  quite  obvious  that  membership  in  such  an  association 
ought  to  furnish  assurance  of  good  citizenship.  It  ought  also  to 
imply  independence  of  thought  and  a  clear  perception  of  what  is 
meant  by  the  Golden  Rule.     In  the  complex  relationships  of  Ameri- 

211 


can  life  not  one  of  us  can  live,  and  live  dutifully,  to  himself  alone. 
Clashing  interests,  changed  conditions  and  sometimes  wrong  judg- 
ment or  prejudice,  are  apt  to  bring  us  all  face  to  face  with  disputes 
and  controversies.  It  is  absolutely  certain  that  in  every  such  case 
there  is  somewhere,  more  or  less  easy  of  discovery,  a  factor  of  morality 
and  of  justice  and  fair  dealing  which  when  found  can  solve  the  trouble. 
Those  are  the  best  citizens,  the  best  men  and  the  best  members  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Associations  who,  when  controversies  con- 
front them,  are  the  best  able  and  the  most  willing  to  recognize  this 
moral  factor  when  found,  and  to  accept  the  adjustment  it  indicates. 
It  is  in  every  way  disappointing  to  see  civilized  men,  as  well  as 
civilized  nations,  evading  the  moral  considerations  involved  in  a 
controversy  and  taking  counsel  of  passion  and  greed — 

"  'For  why?    Because  the  good  old  rule 
Sufficeth  them — the  simple  plan 
That  they  should  take  who  have  the  power, 
And  they  should  keep  who  can.' 

"It  is  not  worth  while  to  blink  the  fact  that  without  going 
far  from  home  we  can  gain  a  hint  that  nations  called  civilized, 
and  even  Christian,  are  liable  under  strong  temptation  to  back- 
slide to  barbaric  standards  which  permit  war  and  slaughter  to 
count  for  a  people's  greatness,  and  reckons  ruthless  conquest  among 
glorious  deeds.  There  is  one  effective  and  constant  preventive 
against  such  a  danger;  that  is  the  sincere  acceptance,  as  guides 
to  national  behavior,  of  the  honor,  the  love  of  peace,  the  devotion 
of  justice  and  truth,  the  forbearance  and  the  inviolable  good  faith 
which  grow  out  of  genuine  civilization  and  a  Christian  spirit.  No 
stream  rises  higher  than  its  source ;  and  a  government  by  the  people 
will  be  no  better  than  the  people  make  it.  If  these  qualities  are 
to  be  recognized  as  guides  of  national  conduct  under  our  plan  of 
rule,  the  people  must  command  it  of  their  public  servants,  and  they 
must  support  their  command  by  manifesting  in  their  individual 
lives  and  relationships  their  own  thorough  submission  to  such 
guidance.  From  this  view-point  we  again  see  the  value  of  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  work  as  aiding  in  the  growth  and  stimu- 
lation of  the  moral  traits  which  are  needed  to  steady  and  keep  in 
order  the  machinery  of  our  government. 

"A  very  distinguished  and  liberal-minded  Englishman  who  has 
recently  visited  us  is  reported  to  have  said,  in  giving  his  impression 
of  our  country,  that   'one  of  the  greatest  struggles  democracy  in 

212 


America  has  to  fight  out  is  regarding  the  relationship  between 
capital  and  labor.' 

"I  cannot  but  think  that  in  making  this  statement  Mr.  Morley 
failed  to  take  into  account  all  the  instrumentalities  that  are  at 
work  among  us  in  the  direction  of  softening  the  asperity  of  the 
differences  arising  between  these  two  forces ;  and  I  am  sure  that  the 
expansion  of  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  work  as  one  of  these 
instrumentalities  is  full  of  promise.  This  ought  to  be  especially 
true  of  such  branches  of  the  Association  as  are  made  up  of  railroad 
employes  and  are  aided  and  encouraged  by  the  employing  railroad 
companies. 

"I  have  within  a  few  days  seen  it  reported  that  the  largest  ap- 
propriation ever  made  by  a  railroad  company  for  the  establishment 
of  Young  Men's  Christian  Associations  along  its  lines  has  just  been 
authorized  by  the  board  of  directors  of  a  southern  company;  and 
this  statement  is  followed  by  the  mention  of  large  contributions 
made  by  other  railroads  in  aid  of  like  associations.  I  hope  that 
such  co-operation  on  the  part  of  employers  in  maintaining  these 
associations  can  never  be  used  as  a  means  of  unduly  influencing 
the  members  of  such  organizations  against  their  rights  or  interests, 
and  unfairly  in  favor  of  their  employers.  Its  effect  should  be  greater 
assurance  to  the  employers  of  faithful,  honest  service  in  their  behalf; 
to  the  employes,  largely  increased  means  of  improvement  and 
competency,  and  to  both  such  a  realization  of  joint  interest  as 
leads  the  way  to  frank  conference  and  a  mutual  desire  to  meet 
differences  between  them  in  a  spirit  of  confidence,  forbearance  and 
good  faith. 

"I  cannot  conclude  without  a  reference  to  the  significance 
attached  to  the  words  in  the  title  of  your  organization  which  indi- 
cate that  its  chief  factors  and  promoters,  as  well  as  its  chief  bene- 
ficiaries, are  young  men.  My  attachment  for  young  men,  and  my 
faith  in  the  freshness  of  their  activity  and  their  ability  to  do  the 
things  that  require  intelligent  vigor  and  persistency,  increase  with 
my  years.  And  these  are  intensified  by  the  impressive  thought 
that  the  youth  and  young  men  of  our  land  will  soon  have  cast  upon 
them  the  responsibility  of  safeguarding  the  honor  and  integrity  of 
the  best  and  freest  form  of  government  that  has  ever  been  vouchsafed 
to  humanity.  With  these  things  in  mind,  how  can  I  escape  an 
abiding  confidence  in  our  nation's  perpetuity  and  increasing  benefi- 
cence, when  I  contemplate,  as  I  do  today,  the  tremendous  growth 
of  a  movement  which  animates  our  young  men  and  youth  with 

213 


the  conscience,  the  strength  and  the  reliant  love  of  duty  and  right 
which  leads  them  to  noble  deeds? 

"  'So  nigh  is  grandeur  to  our  dust, 
So  near  is  God  to  man. 
When  duty  whispers  low,  Thou  must, 
The  youth  repHes,  /  can. 


}  » 


The  following  figures  for  1905  illustrate  more  than  words  can  the 
progress  of  the  work: 

Physical  Department. 

Attendance  at  gymnasium  classes 4,575 

Attendance  at  outside  gymnasium  classes 519 

Attendance  at  athletic  field  (members) 6,890 

Attendance  at  athletic  field  (visitors) 13,790 

Total _ - 25,774 

Seashore  House. 

Average  daily  attendance  (members) 41 

Total  number  of  visitors 929 

Educational  Department. 

Attendance  at  educational  classes 6,683 

Attendance  at  mechanical  instruction  lectures 2,079 

Attendance  at  educational  lectures 166 

Attendance  at  educational  clubs 1,120 

Total 10,048 

Students. 

Number  in  educational  classes 319 

I/IBRARY. 

Circulation 21,936 

Correspondence  Department. 

Arithmetic 40 

Air-brake 182 

Breakdowns 202 

R.  R.  S.  Bible  study 413 

Total  correspondence  students 837 

214 


Religious  Work. 

Attendance  at  Bible  study  classes 9,438 

Attendance  at  Sunday  afternoon  meetings 28,453 

Attendance  at  shop  meetings 5,701 

Attendance  at  cottage  meetings 126 

Attendance  at  mid-week  meetings Ill 

Attendance  at  annex  meetings 743 

Total 44,572 


Social  Department. 

Attendance  at  socials  and  receptions 8,934 

Attendance  at  entertainments 20,361 


29,295 


A  daily  average  of  1000  persons  used  some  of  the  privileges  of 
the  Department. 

A  special  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Management  was  held 
at  the  annex,  December  21,  1906,  to  take  action  on  the  resignation 
of  Mr.  Charles  R.  Towson,  efifective  December  31, 1906.  A  committee 
on  arrangements  was  appointed  to  make  provisions  for  a  farewell 
reception  to  Mr.  Towson  on  December  31,  and  a  committee  on  reso- 
lutions. The  latter  reported  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions, 
which  were  unanimously  adopted  at  a  meeting  held  January  14, 
1907: 

Whereas,  After  nearly  nine  years  of  service  as  General  Secre- 
tary of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia,  Mr.  Charles  R.  Towson  has 
tendered  his  resignation  to  fill  an  engagement  in  a  wider  field  under 
the  direction  of  the  International  Committee  for  the  extension  of 
the  Association  movement  in  the  industrial  field;  and 

Whereas,  During  his  connection  with  the  Pennsylvania  Rail- 
road Department  his  services  have  been  of  such  signal  benefit  to 
the  entire  membership  and  to  the  cause;  it  is 

Resolved,  That  while  recognizing  the  call  to  the  larger  sphere 
of  duty  and  opportunity  presented  by  the  claims  of  the  International 
Committee  for  Mr.  Towson's  services,  we  hereby  place  on  record  our 
sincere  regret  at  the  severance  of  the  ties  which  have  bound  him  to 
this  Department;  that  the  Committee  of  Management  must  lose  an 
official  long-tried  and  faithful  in  every  emergency;  that  as  Commit- 
teemen, brought  closely  in  touch  with  Mr.  Towson  in  Association 
work,  we  regret  the  loss  of  the  inspiration  of  his  presence;  that  the 
membership  of  the  Department  must  be  deprived  of  the  wise  coimsel 

215 


and  the  spirit  of  courage  and  helpfulness  which  his  presence  always 
manifested ; 

Resolved,  That  we  gladly  bear  testimony  to  Mr.  Towson's 
uniform  courtesy,  to  the  esteem  in  which  he  is  held,  to  the  resource- 
fulness of  his  plans  for  the  development  of  the  work  of  the  Depart- 
ment, and  to  the  manly  Christian  character  which  has  shown  out 
in  his  life  during  all  the  years  in  which  he  has  so  successfully  labored 
to  place  the  Department  in  the  forefront  of  Association  effort. 

Resolved,  That  we  congratulate  the  International  Committee 
on  its  wisdom  in  making  this  selection,  and  to  the  good  fortune 
which  has  enabled  it  to  add  the  name  of  Charles  R.  Towson  to  its 
staff  of  officers. 

We  pray  that  God's  benediction  may  be  upon  him,  and  that 
that  wisdom  may  be  his  which  comes  of  the  indwelling  of  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

On  account  of  the  death  of  Mr.  A.  J.  Cassatt,  President  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  the  farewell  reception  to  Mr. 
Towson  was  postponed  to  January  14,  1907.  The  meeting  was 
largely  attended,  and  Mr.  William  A.  Patton,  Chairman  of  the 
Committee  of  Management,  presided.  In  his  opening  address  the 
cause  of  the  postponement  of  the  farewell  was  alluded  to  as  the 
occasion  of  a  vein  of  sadness  in  the  otherwise  pleasant  duty  of  con- 
tributing to  the  appreciation  of  the  retiring  Secretary,  In  sincere, 
dignified,  simple  and  touching  words  he  gave  a  hasty  review  of  the 
growth  of  the  Department  during  the  twenty  years  of  its  existence, 
thirteen  of  which  were  spent  in  the  present  main  building,  nine  of 
the  thirteen  under  Mr.  Towson's  leadership — years  full  of  close 
associations,  the  welder  of  many  ties.  "These  ties  have  now  been 
severed,  through  no  fault  of  ours,  through  no  fault  of  his.  But 
when  the  call  to  duty  comes  as  clearly  as  it  came  to  Mr.  Towson  to 
take  up  a  broader  and  a  more  important  work,  covering  a  wider 
scope  and  a  larger  field,  extending  over  the  entire  continent,  to  a 
man  of  Mr.  Towson's  high  honor  I  would  say  that  there  was  nothing 
else  for  him  to  do  but  to  answer,  'Here  am  I,  Lord;  send  me.'  " 
Mr.  W.  C.  Stoever,  President  of  the  Board  of  Management  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia,  and  Mr.  H. 
O.  Williams,  International  Railroad  Secretary,  followed  in  words  of 
commendation  of  Mr.  Towson  and  his  work.  Mr.  Jefferson  Justice 
presented  the  resolution  of  the  Committee  of  Management  to  Mr. 
Towson,  and  in  doing  so  made  a  plea  for  a  broad  view  of  the  work 
of  the  whole  Association,  and  suggested  the  reflected  glory  that 
must  surely  come  to  this  Department  when  men  would  begin  to 
inquire  whence  came  this  new  prodigy  of  industrialism,  and  the 

216 


ALEXANDER  J.  CASSATT, 
President  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  1899-1906. 


reply  which  inevitably  must  be  made,  "Why,  those  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  Department  people  had  Mr.  Towson  in  training  for  nine 
years." 

Mr.  Charles  C.  Kinney  presented  to  Mr.  Towson  on  behalf  of 
the  Committeemen  of  the  Department  a  watch  as  a  souvenir  of  the 
many  happy  occasions  and  close  friendships  they  had  shared  with 
the  recipient,  and  as  an  expression  of  the  lasting  regard  which  had 
grown  up  between  the  Secretary  and  the  volunteer  workers  during 
the  period  of  his  administration.  Mr.  Towson  in  his  reply  surpassed 
his  own  fame  as  an  orator  in  simplicity  of  utterance,  emotional 
power  and  crowning  climax.  From  his  opening  reference  to  the 
ever-solicitous  mother  who  urged  him  not  to  pay  any  attention  to 
the  numberless  flattering  things  that  might  be  said  to  him,  because 
"he  was  not  responsible  for  them,"  and  to  the  devoted  wife  who  did 
the  unseen  half  of  the  things  making  the  total  of  his  success,  to  the 
close  of  his  speech  was  a  flow  of  wit,  humor  and  pathos.  Speaking 
of  the  souvenirs  presented  to  him  he  said:  "In  the  days  to  come, 
when  the  gold  shall  have  worn  and  six  little  babies  shall  look  on 
the  past,  I  trust  that  nothing  will  dim  the  expression  of  your  esteem 
put  upon  this  record,  so  that  those  little  ones,  whose  life  now  abounds 
in  our  home,  may  see  that  there  was  a  time  when  those  who  are 
interested  in  the  Kingdom  of  God  thought  well  of  their  father,  and 
that  they  will  accordingly  appreciate  these  tokens  as  I  appreciate 
them  now." 

On  December  28,  1906,  the  Department  met  with  a  great  loss 
in  the  death  of  Alexander  Johnston  Cassatt,  President  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad  Company,  who  had  been  one  of  its  most  liberal 
patrons  and  strongest  supports.  Mr.  Cassatt  was  the  seventh  Presi- 
dent of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  and  his  administration 
of  its  affairs,  covering  a  period  of  over  seven  years,  was  marked  by 
almost  staggering  waves  of  expansion,  reconstruction,  betterment, 
movement,  equipment  and  financing.  During  this  period  the 
physical  and  financial  conditions  of  the  road  were  advanced  to  a 
position  undreamed  of  a  decade  before.  The  credit  of  the  Company 
was  so  high  and  firm,  and  the  universal  confidence  in  Mr.  Cassatt  so 
great,  that  hundreds  of  millions  of  dollars  were  secured  with  ease 
to  elevate  roads,  to  obviate  grade-crossings,  to  tunnel  and  bridge 
great  rivers,  to  duplicate  its  own  lines,  to  construct  splendid  termi- 
nals in  both  the  political  and  commercial  capitals  of  the  United 
States,  and  to  eliminate  from  railroad  management  in  the  country 

217 


the  destructive  policies  which  had  bankrupted  so  many  carrying 
companies.  He  took  his  seat  coincident  with  the  opening  of  the 
twentieth  century.  At  that  time  there  was  no  more  serious  or 
difi&cult  problem  for  the  nation  to  solve  than  that  of  inland  trans- 
portation of  intra-  and  interstate  commerce.  In  it  were  involved 
the  questions  of  peace  or  war,  the  sustenance,  the  comfort  and 
the  safety  of  the  people,  and  their  pursuit  of  business  and  pleasure 
and  in  the  enjoyment  of  leisure.  The  development  of  the  fields 
and  mines,  mills  and  factories,  and  the  economical  and  profitable 
interchange  of  their  products,  never  commanded  a  closer  study  or 
caused  a  deeper  feeling  of  uncertainty.  The  wise  policy  of  the  Peim- 
sylvania  Railroad  Company  of  keeping  pace  with  and  of  anticipating 
the  demands  of  traffic  had  developed  an  empire  bounded  on  the  north 
by  the  Great  Lakes,  on  the  south  by  the  Ohio  and  Potomac  rivers, 
on  the  east  by  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  and  on  the  west  by  the  Missis- 
sippi River.  It  encouraged  and  fostered  agriculture,  mining  and 
manufacture,  and  gave  such  an  impetus  to  those  industries  that 
they  leaped  forward  to  such  a  degree  of  prosperity  that  the  Company 
found  its  facilities  inadequate  to  meet  the  demands  for  transpor- 
tation which  its  own  progressive  spirit  had  been  influential  in  cre- 
ating. The  necessity  for  immediate,  heroic  and  radical  action  was 
imperative.  As  in  all  eras  of  sudden  and  unexpected  progress,  the 
necessities  of  the  times  demanded  a  man  of  colossal  mould  to  lead 
the  forces  of  progress.  He  was  found  in  the  person  of  Mr.  Cassatt 
ready  and  well  equipped  to  lead.  The  man  and  the  hour  met,  and 
Mr.  Cassatt  assumed  leadership.  He  was  a  peerless  leader,  un- 
sullied by  the  grosser  elements  of  life;  assuming  the  lead,  he  ruled 
the  destiny  of  things  with  a  grasp  both  firm  and  gentle,  and,  recog- 
nizing the  railroads  to  be  the  veins  of  the  country,  the  channel  of 
health  and  life,  gave  to  their  further  development  the  command  of 
his  talents,  his  person,  his  life.  In  scanning  the  list  of  the  world's 
great  men,  his  name  will  ever  be  seen  standing  out  in  bold  relief 
with  a  halo  of  brilliancy  surrounding  it.  He  was  no  ordinary  man, 
his  no  ordinary  work,  and  it  is  questionable  when  the  last  analysis 
is  made  if  any  potentate  of  a  lordly  kingdom  ever  contributed  so 
much  to  the  peace,  comfort  and  prosperity  of  his  people  as  he  did 
for  the  people  of  his  native  land.  Let  destructive  or  captious  critics 
say  what  they  may,  the  fact  cannot  be  clouded  that  his  chief  aim  in 
administering  his  trust  was  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  people 
his  corporation  served.  That  he  did  it,  and  did  it  well,  stands  out 
in  strong  lines  as  one  contemplates  the  stable  prosperity  of  the  regions 

218 


affected  by  the  magic  of  his  hands  in  expanding  and  reconstructing 
the  roads  over  which  he  presided,  as  well  as  the  prosperity  of  those 
regions  served  by  competing  companies,  whose  trustees  were  taught 
by  him  to  secure  established  value  to  the  property  they  controlled 
by  adopting  methods  of  business  honest  to  the  owners  of  the  prop- 
erties and  their  patrons.  So  true,  so  earnest,  so  honest  was  he  that 
the  financial  world  held  in  readiness  fabulous  millions  to  hand  over 
to  him  to  permit  of  his  carrying  on  the  great  revolution  in  railroad 
management  and  responsibility  which  he  led.  His  four  predecessors 
in  the  ofi&ce  of  president  were  illustrious  men  who  left  their  impress 
on  the  times  in  which  they  lived ;  John  Edgar  Thomson  was  a  dig- 
nified, reticent  man,  able  as  an  engineer  and  organizer;  Col.  Thomas 
Alexander  Scott,  a  man  of  the  people,  was  bold  and  fearless,  quick  in 
judgment  and  prompt  in  action;  George  Brooke  Roberts,  a  master 
of  detail,  with  financial  foresight  both  clear  and  faultless,  whilst 
Frank  Thomson  had  few  equals  in  the  practical  side  of  transpor- 
tation and  few  who  possessed  so  keen  a  sense  of  the  relations  a  carrier 
bears  to  the  commercial  communities.  It  is  in  no  sense  disparaging 
to  those  men  to  say  that  Mr.  Cassatt  combined  in  his  person  all  the 
elements  which  characterized  them  and  made  them  famous.  They 
laid  imperishable  foundations  upon  which  he  erected  a  castle  of 
impregnable  strength.  Mr.  Cassatt  devoted  a  busy  and  unselfish  life 
with  absolute  sincerity  to  enlarging  a  great  transportation  system 
for  the  development  of  the  commonwealth  and  the  good  of  its  people. 
Although  of  a  retiring,  or  rather  of  a  modest  disposition,  his  courage 
was  boundless  and  his  conscientious  regard  for  honor  and  duty  of 
the  highest  order.  His  energy,  his  boldness  in  conception,  his  powers, 
his  dominating  individual  force,  his  integrity,  made  him  a  man  of 
exceptional  type,  fitted  by  heredity,  ability,  training  and  self-control 
to  carry  on  his  great  life-work  throughout  all  the  varied  and  ever- 
varying  conditions  which  confronted  him.  His  mind,  clear,  strong 
and  well  balanced  by  nature  and  well  disciplined  in  the  schools, 
expanding  under  the  influence  of  deep  thinking,  became  greatly 
enriched  by  stores  of  knowledge  which  he  gathered  from  nature 
and  in  his  intercourse  with  people  in  his  frequent  journeyings  at 
home  and  abroad.  With  wide  grasp  he  rose  up  to  ever-increasing 
power  and  usefulness.  He  was  honest,  he  was  earnest,  he  was  able, 
with  the  strong  points  in  his  character  of  simplicity  and  singleness 
of  heart  and  mind.  He  had  no  hatred  in  his  composition,  and, 
whilst  having  the  courage  of  his  convictions  and  being  ever  ready 
to  battle  for  them,  he  yet  practiced  self-mastery  to  perfection,  and 

219 


always  knew  how  to  hold  his  temper  as  well  as  his  argument.  When 
necessity  required  it,  he  was  a  vigorous  fighter  in  the  cause  of  right, 
tireless,  adroit  and  persistent.  But  in  all  his  battles  he  stood  as  the 
champion  of  the  people  against  every  form  of  corruption,  and  for 
fair  play  in  all  the  relations  of  life,  for  economy  and  for  justice. 
If  statesmen,  diplomats,  financiers  and  rulers  had  unwavering  con- 
fidence in  him,  so,  too,  had  the  rank  and  file  of  the  grand  army  of 
railroad  men  whom  he  commanded.  They  knew  that  the  rights,  the 
honor,  the  welfare  of  others  were  safe  in  his  keeping,  and,  following 
where  he  led,  aided  him  in  overcoming  difficulties  and  obstacles 
which  to  the  ordinary  mind  seemed  insurmountable.  That  the  rapid 
march  of  progress  which  marks  the  day  had  not  been  deterred  is 
largely  due  to  his  genius.  He  was  the  mightiest  as  well  as  the  wisest 
sovereign  of  the  railroad  kingdom,  and  whatever  faults  he  may  have 
had,  whatever  errors  he  may  have  made,  are  so  far  outweighed  by 
the  great  good  he  accomplished  that  they  cannot  be  recalled.  His 
sagacity,  wisdom  and  instinctive  judgment  were  phenomenal  and 
never  failed  him.  His  acts,  always  progressive,  were  uplifting  in 
character  and  resulted  in  greatly  improving  conditions.  The  Public 
Ledger,  voicing  the  sentiment  of  the  American  press,  said  of  him: 
"  He  was  not  only  a  great  railroad  man;  he  was  a  great  Pennsylva- 
nian,  a  great  American,  and  not  his  own  city  only,  but  the  whole 
country,  has  been  enriched  by  the  vast  work  that  he  crowded  into 
his  incessantly  busy  life."  The  minute  made  by  the  Board  of 
Directors  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  after  recounting 
the  great  deeds  he  had  performed  and  bearing  testimony  to  his 
mastery  in  every  position  he  had  occupied,  says:  "It  is  no  wonder, 
therefore,  that  not  only  his  close  associates  but  all  those  brought 
into  contact  with  him  recognized  in  him  one  of  the  leading  spirits 
of  our  age,  one  of  the  men  who  make  a  nation  great  and  whose 
fame  is  a  precious  heritage  for  this  country."  He  passed  away, 
but  only  after  he  had  erected  by  his  deeds  a  column  for  himself  in 
the  temple  of  fame  which  will  endure  as  long  as  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  exists  or  its  history  is  preserved. 

The  Department  held  a  memorial  service  on  Sunday,  December 
30,  1906.  While  announced  for  another  purpose,  this  service  became 
a  great  memorial  meeting  to  Mr.  Cassatt,  and  hundreds  of  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad  employes  gathered  in  the  auditorium  to  pay  their 
tribute  of  respect  to  his  memory.  Mr.  Arthur  Holmes,  Religious 
Work  Secretary,  presided.  In  opening  the  meeting  he  paid  a  high 
tribute  to  Mr.  Cassatt,  and  deplored  his  death  as  an  irreparable  loss 


220 


to  the  Department.     He  was  followed  by  Mr.  Walter  C.  Douglas, 
General  Secretary  of  the  parent  Association,  who  said : 

"We  came  today  to  say  farewell  to  a  living  man,  an  official  of 
this  Department  who  leaves  us  to  become  an  International  Secretary, 
We  entered  through  a  door  around  which  the  Christmas  greens  were 
twined  with  crape,  emblems  of  life  and  of  death.  It  seems  appro- 
priate, therefore,  especially  on  this  holy  day  and  in  this  place  conse- 
created  by  hallowed  associations,  while  not  forgetting  the  living, 
that  we  should  make  this  service  a  memorial  to  the  dead. 

"The  lament  of  David  over  a  great  king,  a  king  who  towered 
head  and  shoulders  over  the  people,  instinctively  comes  to  our  minds 
today:  'How  are  the  mighty  fallen,  how  are  the  mighty  fallen  in 
the  midst  of  the  battle!'  A  mighty  man  has  fallen,  and  the  shock  of 
his  fall  has  been  felt  throughout  the  country.  He  has  fallen  in  the 
midst  of  the  battle,  but  of  a  battle  already  crowned  with  assurance 
of  victory. 

"Mr.  Cassatt  was  a  great  man — great  as  an  engineer,  as  an 
organizer,  as  a  builder,  as  a  leader  of  men,  and  as  a  statesman  with 
a  statesman's  gift  of  prophecy  or  vision. 

"As  an  engineer,  physical  difficulties  that  daunted  other  men 
he  swept  away.  He  found  New  York  an  island ;  he  left  it  a  part  of  the 
mainland  to  the  south  and  west.  The  waters  that  had  said  to  others, 
'Thus  far  shalt  thou  come  and  no  further,'  he  overcame;  and  connect- 
ing New  England,  tying  New  York  to  the  mainland  beneath  and 
above  the  waters,  he  made  a  unit  of  a  country  which  God's  own 
geography  had  shattered  into  fragments.  This,  which  is  typical  of 
his  boldness  and  genius,  is  but  a  part  of  the  physical  work  that  he 
planned. 

"He  was  great  as  an  organizer,  capable  of  marshaling  the 
forces  needed  for  any  undertaking,  and  of  imparting  to  the  whole 
vast  system  over  which  he  presided  the  impulse  of  his  will  until 
work  was  done,  not  only  well,  but  with  an  enthusiasm  and  a 
pride  of  service  not  often  found  in  civil  life.  How  this  stream  of 
energy  and  enthusiasim  communicated  itself  from  a  man  so  quiet 
and  so  modest  to  hundreds  of  thousands  of  other  men  I  cannot 
explain. 

"  He  was  great  as  a  statesman  in  his  power,  not  only  to  measure 
present  needs  of  society  and  meet  them,  but  also  to  see  into  the 
future  and  anticipate  coming  needs  with  adequate  plans.  This  is 
statesmanship.  Mr.  Cassatt  had  a  remarkable  power  of  vision:  he 
foresaw  the  growth  of  the  country  and  of  the  country's  business. 


221 


and  sought  to  provide  for  that  growth.  Some  timid  persons  may- 
have  thought  him  overbold,  but  his  judgment  is  even  now  vindi- 
cated. The  years,  although  few  in  number,  have  swiftly  brought  us 
face  to  face  with  these  expanded  and  we  believe  permanent  con- 
ditions of  business  and  transportation  which  Mr.  Cassatt  foresaw 
when  the  eyes  of  others  were  still  unseeing. 

"Mr.  Cassatt  was  a  man  of  integrity.  To  force  of  genius  he 
added  force  of  character.  Within  a  few  years  he  inaugurated  mighty 
reforms;  he  brought  about  changes  that  were  all  in  the  interest  of 
equity,  of  fair  dealing  with  the  public,  and  of  impartiality  between 
all  classes  of  the  commimity.  Here  he  was  a  leader  and  a  pioneer  as 
truly  as  in  the  physical  department  of  his  work,  and  here  his  states- 
manlike mind  was  first  to  see  that  these  things  should  be  done.  He 
struck  at  great  abuses  and  swept  them  away  when  it  required  im- 
mense moral  courage  to  do  so.  Here  again  his  judgment  and  his 
purpose  will  be  fully  vindicated  and  approved  by  all  good  men,  even 
if  not  fully  accepted  and  followed  already. 

"  Mr.  Cassatt  was  a  kind  man.  You  railroad  men  who  served 
under  him  know  this  by  instinct,  by  the  atmosphere  in  which  you 
worked  under  him,  and  need  no  human  voice  to  tell  you  this  truth. 
You  felt  it  while  he  lived,  you  know  it  well  now  that  his  heart  has 
ceased  to  beat.  There  was  no  antagonism,  no  hardness,  no  bitterness 
in  his  heart  toward  you,  or  in  your  hearts  toward  him.  Whatever 
may  be  true  in  some  great  corporations,  every  railroad  man  in  this 
audience  knows  this,  that  he  has  lost  a  President  in  whose  good  will 
and  kindly  impulses  he  could  trust, 

"A  gentleman  said  to  me  a  year  ago, 'There  is  one  person  that 
has  a  mighty  pull  with  the  great  President  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad.'  I  asked  him  who  it  was.  He  said,  'It  is  his  little  grand- 
daughter, who,  when  he  is  at  home,  leads  him  around  where  she  will 
with  her  little  hand  in  his.'  The  man  who  feared  no  combinations 
of  capital  or  antagonism  of  mighty  powers  in  the  battle  of  life  was 
all  gentleness  and  affection  in  the  hands  of  a  little  child.  This  reveals 
his  heart. 

"Mr.  Cassatt  was  a  great  man.  It  is  perhaps  no  exaggeration 
to  say  that  he  left  vacant  the  platform  upon  which  he  stood,  for  he 
had  no  peer;  but  we  are  thinking,  and  thinking  fitly,  more  of  his 
spirit  than  of  his  great  deeds,  and  the  memories  that  sink  deepest 
into  our  hearts  and  will  longest  live  with  us  will  be  of  his  goodness 
and  kindness. 

"  You  have  lost  a  great  friend,' ' 

222 


Mr.  Douglas  was  followed  by  Mr.  William  A.  Patton,  Chairman 
of  the.  Committee  of  Management,  who  said : 

"  I  promised  to  come  here  today,  but  I  hardly  feel  equal  to  the 
task  of  speaking.  I  come  fresh  from  the  house  of  mourning.  This 
great  sorrow  which  comes  to  all  of  us — to  every  member  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association,  to  every  Permsylvania  Railroad  employe,  and  to  every 
household  represented  by  them —  comes  to  me  in  a  particular  manner, 
when  I  reflect  that  Mr.  Cassatt  was  my  acquaintance  and  friend  for 
nearly  forty  years;  that  for  nearly  thirty-seven  years  I  served 
directly  under  him  from  boyhood  to  the  present  time.  I  have  met 
with  a  great  personal  loss,  which  is  shared  by  everyone  here  this 
afternoon. 

"  Mr.  Cassatt  was  the  friend  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  man, 
no  matter  what  his  position;  whether  he  was  an  official  of  the 
Company  or  serving  in  the  ranks,  he  had  the  same  kindly  feeling 
toward  all. 

"  Mr.  Cassatt  was  a  progressive  railroad  man.  In  my  judgment, 
this  country  does  not  today  realize  the  loss  it  has  met  with.  He  had 
few  equals  and  no  superiors.  He  was  one  of  the  few  great  men  of 
the  age.  Certainly  no  one  has  done  more  for  the  development  and 
advancement  of  the  commercial  interests  of  the  country,  of  the  rail- 
roads and  railroad  employes.  He  was  a  natural-born  leader  and  set 
a  pace  for  all  other  railroads  in  the  land.  This  country  has  had  great 
railroad  men,  but  I  do  not  know  of  anyone  who  combined  in  so  great 
a  degree  all  of  the  qualifications  which  go  to  fit  a  man  for  the  impor- 
tant and  diversified  duties  devolving  upon  the  president  of  a  large 
railway  system." 

Rev.  Charles  R.  Erdman,  of  Princeton  University,  made  an  im- 
pressive address,  takinghis  text  from  Hebrews,  13th  chapter,  8th  verse- 
In  the  course  of  his  remarks  Dr.  Erdman  paid  a  high  tribute  to  Mr. 
Cassatt. 

Mr.  Charles  R.  Towson,  the  retiring  General  Secretary,  closed 
the  meeting  with  fitting  expressions  regarding  Mr.  Cassatt's  help- 
fulness and  interest  in  the  work  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Depart- 
ment, Young  Men's  Christian  Association. 

If  other  evidence  were  lacking,  this  memorial  meeting  would 
be  sufficient  testimony  to  the  close  relations  which  exist  between 
the  officers  and  the  employes  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Com- 
pany. This  relationship  grows  closer  and  closer  as  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Associations  along  the  road  develop  and  progress. 

223 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Management  of  the  Depart- 
ment held  January  14,  1907,  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions 
were  unanimously  adopted : 

Whereas,  The  All-Wise  Father  has  called  to  rest  the  beloved 
President  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  Mr.  Alexander 
Johnston  Cassatt,  who  was  a  member  of  the  Advisory  Board  of  this 
Association;  and 

Whereas,  By  reason  of  the  interest  which  he  manifested  in 
the  welfare  of  this  institution  and  its  members,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  gladly  pay  tribute  to  the  memory  of  our 
friend  in  recognition  of  his  abiding  interest  in  the  work  of  our  Depart- 
ment, and  express  our  profound  regret  at  his  departure; 

Resolved,  That  we  sincerely  sympathize  with  the  family  and 
reverently  commend  them  to  Him  who  comforts  in  sorrow  and  looks 
with  pitying  eye  upon  His  children; 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be  signed  by  the  Chairman 
and  Secretary  of  this  Department  and  sent  to  the  family  as  a  tes- 
timonial of  our  sympathy,  and  that  a  copy  be  spread  upon  the 
minutes  of  the  Association. 

The  thoroughness  of  the  progressive  educational  policy  of  the 
Department  was  shown  in  providing  for  a  course  of  study  in  Rail- 
road Transportation,  embracing  a  special  study  of  its  relation  to  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  system  and  its  connections.  This  course, 
the  influence  of  which  in  advancing  the  efficiency  of  railroad  men 
has  been  widespread  and  permanent,  was  opened  in  October,  1904. 
The  scope  of  the  course,  to  be  completed  in  two  years  of  two  terms 
each,  embraced  the  following  studies: 

I.  Railway  Geography:  The  number  and  direction  of  the  lines 
in  the  different  parts  of  the  country.  The  reasons  for  the 
peculiar  development  which  are  to  be  found  in  the  geographi- 
cal features  of  the  country. 

(a)  A  study  of   the  various  systems — where   they  go;   the 

character  and  extent  of  the  country  covered  by  each; 

the  important  cities  of  each. 
(6)  The  character  of  the  traffic  of  each  system;  the  principal 

commodities  carried  by  each;  the  coal,  granger  and  trunk 

line  group. 

II.  The  Organization  of  the  Railway  System :  The  relation  of 
the  various  departments  to  each  other  and  to  the  system; 
the  division  of  responsibility  among  the  departments  and 
officials. 

224 


III.  The  Organization  of  the  Different  Departments: 
Functions  performed  by — 

(a)  The  Executive  Department. 
(6)  The  Treasury  Department, 
(c)  The  Accounting  Department. 
{d)  The  Freight  Departinent. 
(e)  The  Passenger  Department. 
(/)  The  Operating  Department. 
ig)  The  Purchasing  Department. 
ih)  The  Real  Estate  Department. 
{i)  The  Construction  Department. 
{j)  The  Legal  Department. 
{k)  The  Insurance  Department. 
(/)  The  Voluntary  Relief  Department, 
(w)  The  Employes'  Saving  Fund, 
(n)  The  Pension  Fund. 

IV.  Railway  Operation: 

(a)  The  duties  of  the  General  Manager;  the  General  Superin- 
tendent of  Transportation;  the  General  Superintendent  of 
Motive  Power;  the  Chief  Engineer  Maintenance  of  Way; 
the  Superintendent  of  Telegraph. 

(6)  The  functions  performed  by  the  Transportation,  Motive 
Power  and  Maintenance  of  Way  Departments. 

V.    Railway  Traffic : 

(a)  The  duties  of   the  Traffic  Manager  and  his  assistants. 

(6)  A  study  of  the  methods  of  collecting  and  forwarding 
freights — the  various  waybills  in  use;  the  method  of 
keeping  track  of  shipments  and  the  Company's  equip- 
ment; the  supervision  exercised  by  the  Auditor's  Depart- 
ment over  agents  and  conductors;  the  settlement  of  car 
mileage  accounts  among  railroads. 

VI.    Railway  Accounting :  The  Principle  of  Railway  Accounting. 

(a)  The  character  of  the  income  account  and  balance-sheet — 

what  each  indicates  as  to  the  condition  of  the  Company. 

(6)  The  significance  of  ton -mile  costs  and  statistics  of  traffic 
density;  the  value  and  importance  of  detailed  statements 
of  the  amount  spent  in  maintenance  of  equipment  and 
roadbed. 

225 


VII.  The  Financial  Structure  of  the  Railway  Corporation:  The 
difference  between  bonds  and  stock;  the  securities  and  privi- 
leges belonging  to  each  class  of  security. 
VIII.  The  Railway  Corporation :  How  it  is  organized ;  the  character 
of  the  organization  secured  and  the  liability  and  privileges 
of  stockholders, 

Lectures  on  the  above  subjects  were  arranged  for  and  delivered 
by  Professors  E.  R.  Johnson  and  E.  S.  Meade  of  the  University  of 
Pennsylvania  and  by  heads  of  departments  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad.  Students  were  enrolled  from  nearly  all  departments  of 
railroad  service,  and  groups  of  men  of  different  branches  of  the  ser- 
vice were  formed  into  clubs  to  particularly  study  the  bearing  of  the 
lectures  on  the  line  of  railroad  work  in  which  they  were  engaged. 
In  subsequent  terms  some  of  the  more  general  matter  was  omitted 
from  the  lecture  and  practical  phases  of  railroad  work  as  they  related 
to  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  were  substituted.  This  course  of 
study,  which  enlarged  the  mental  character  and  widened  the  scope 
of  vision  of  the  students,  met  with  the  hearty  commendation  and 
received  the  liberal  support  of  the  officers  of  the  Company.  It 
tended  to  revive  the  all-round  railroad  man,  who  through  special- 
ization was  becoming  obsolete,  and  to  increase  efficiency  in  railroad 
service.  In  1907  the  class  as  a  separate  educational  factor  was 
eliminated;  its  studies,  however,  were  more  on  less  embodied  in 
those  pursued  by  classes  established  as  clubs. 

There  is  another  phase  of  the  Department's  work  worth 
special  mention — that  of  the  Extension  Committee,  quiet  in  its 
administration  and  modest  in  its  claims.  The  work  is  missionary 
in  its  character,  and  displays  the  railroad  man  in  his  altruism  as 
developed  by  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  methods.  The 
Committee  garner  and  supply  the  necessary  funds  to  enable  the 
Department  to  join  the  Associations  of  Philadelphia  in  supporting 
a  Secretary  in  Japan;  to  maintain  a  branch  for  Italian  railroad  men 
in  Philadelphia;  to  aid  in  maintaining  the  Health  Farm,  for  consump- 
tive young  men,  at  Denver,  Colorado;  to  give  aid  to  the  State  Com- 
mittee in  advancing  Association  work  among  the  miners  and  lumber- 
men and  in  the  smaller  towns  in  Pennsylvania,  and  the  International 
Committee  in  its  work  throughout  North  America.  Although  the 
Committee  in  the  name  of  the  Department  has  contributed  liberally 
to  these  various  objects,  it  has  not  drawn  upon  the  Department's 
treasury  for  any  money,   excepting   a    small   amount    to    assist   in 

226 


JAMES  McCREA, 
President  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  1907  to  date. 


defraying  the  expenses  of  the  Itahan  Branch.  The  necessary  money 
has  been  principally  contributed  by  Pennsylvania  Railroad  men 
individually.  In  one  instance  $700  was  collected,  which  was  ex- 
pended in  erecting  four  tents  on  the  Denver  Health  Farm.  The 
Italian  Branch  was  opened  in  1904,  at  5119  Lancaster  Avenue, 
subsequently  removed  to  4916  Lancaster  Avenue,  and  in  it  the  task 
was  undertaken  of  transforming  foreigners  ignorant  of  the  English 
language  into  intelligent  American  citizens  with  a  higher  moral 
understanding  of  American  institutions.  The  Branch  was  equipped 
with  games,  music,  books  and  newspapers;  was  provided  with  a 
reading-room.  The  Department's  committee  system  was  adopted 
to  carry  on  its  work.  In  it  were  established  educational  classes  in 
which  the  English  language  was  taught  and  Bible  study  engaged  in, 
and  an  Italian  girls'  sewing  class  supervised  by  the  Ladies' Auxiliary. 
The  beneficiaries  of  the  Branch  showed  an  eagerness  to  learn  and  so 
much  progress  in  learning  that  most  of  them  were  soon  able  to 
improve  their  condition  and  position  in  the  railroad  service. 

Mr.  James  McCrea,  President  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Company,  well  acquainted  with  and  a  close  observer  of  the  detail 
of  all  descriptions  of  work  on  the  road  and  of  all  classes  of  men  in 
the  service,  in  a  letter  addressed  to  Col.  John  J.  McCook  of  the  Inter- 
national Committee  at  New  York,  and  dated  Philadelphia,  April 
20,  1908,  said  of  the  departmental  work  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association : 

"The  work  carried  on  by  the  Railroad  Department  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association  has  now  been  developed  to  so 
general  an  extent  that  the  Association  can  no  longer  be  considered 
other  than  a  permanent  institution;  in  fact,  the  results  accomplished 
have  been  so  signally  successful  that  these  Branches  are  now  rightly 
recognized  as  an  important  factor  in  general  railroad  work.  I  take 
much  pleasure  in  acknowledging  the  many  benefits  which  I  believe 
the  employes  of  the  Company  have  derived  through  this  agency, 
and  extend  my  best  wishes  for  the  continued  success  of  the  good 
work." 

The  financial  statement  for  1908  which  follows  shows  that  the 
financial  panic  of  1907-08  did  not  retard  the  forward  movement  of 
the  Department: 


227 


Statement. 

January  1  to  December  31,  1908. 

Dr. 

To  Balance  on  hand  January  1,  1908 $526.13 

To  Receipts  as  follows: 

Physical  Work — Rentals  and  receipts  from  games....  S2,792.92 

Contributions — P.  R.  R.  Co.  current  expense  account  12,764.93 
"                P.  R.  R.  Co.  special  for  mortgage 

account 2,500.00 

Contributions — Individuals  and  firms  through  Mr. 

Patton 3,375.00 

Balance  from  1907 - 2,000.00 

Entertainment — Star  Course  and  popular  concerts.  _  5,681.00 

Educational — Class  fees..._ 803. 16 

House — Refunds  account  of  overcharges 236.68 

Library — Book  fines - - 79.29 

Boys'    Department — Seashore    house     and     other 

sources - - - 2,518.45 

Miscellaneous — Refunds  and  other  sales,  etc.   $604.28 

—Special  fund 2,513.07  3  117  35 

Music — Concerts 363.59 

Advertising  Monthly  Bulletin.— 250.00 

Membership  dues 4,632.74 

Religious  Work — Sunday  collections  and  missionary 

donations 1,774.51 

Interest  from  Investments — G.  B.  Roberts  fund 250.00 

Social — Donations,  etc 27.10 

Refund  on  old  fire  insurance  policy 150.00 

New  boat  fund 473.71      ^^  ^qq  ^3 

Cr.  $44,316.66 

By  Disbursements  as  follows: 

Physical  Work — Salary   Director,   attendants,   ex- 
penses  - -- $2,842.56 

Building — Repairs  and  improvements _ 1,028.58 

Entertainments — Star  Course  and  popular  concerts...  5,787.08 

House — Salary  engineer,  janitors  and  expenses —  3,059.13 

Educational — Salary  Director  and  Teachers 2,732.96 

Boys'  Dept. — Salary  Director — Seashore  house,  etc.  3,347.92 

Library — Salary  of  Librarian,  purchase  of  books,  etc.  1,432.27 

Miscellaneous — Expenses $1,255,02 

"            — P.  T.  Division  account 2,513.07  o  yno  qq 

Music — Concerts— 570.10 

Printing  and  office  supplies  and  Monthly  Bulletin...  744.78 

Payment  account  mortgage  indebtedness 2,500.00 

Postage  and  incidentals 582.78 

Religious    Work — Salary  Director,    Sunday    music, 

missionary,  etc 3,527.11 

Socials  and  receptions 214.58 

Salaries — Secretary  and  assistants,  main  building 

and  annex — - 7,581.29 

Interest  on  mortgage  indebtedness 362.62 

Mechanical  Instruction — Instructor,  etc 19.50 

Renewal  of  fire  insurance  policy 145.69    ®  .q  247  04 

For  improvements  under  contract 2,825.04 

Balance  to  credit  of  operating  expenses  Dec.  31  770.77 

"       "       "New  boat  fund 473.71 

$44,316.56 


228 


On  Monday  evening,  October  25,  1909,  the  meeting  of  the 
Committee  of  Management  was  held  in  the  main  building  at  6 
o'clock,  followed  by  an  All-Committeemen's  Tea  at  6.45.  As  such, 
this  tea  would  not  have  required  any  more  comment  than  many 
of  its  predecessors,  two  of  which  are  held  each  year;  but  without 
the  General  Chairman's  knowledge  and  with  the  hearty  co-operation 
of  the  First  Vice-Chairman,  another  programme  had  been  arranged 
and  the  character  of  the  event  changed.  Nearly  two  hundred  active 
Committeemen  paid  tribute  to  the  occasion  by  their  presence,  taxing 
to  its  utmost  the  dining-room  equipment  of  the  Woman's  Auxihary. 
Many  officials  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  "were  present, 
including  Messrs.  W.  Hey  ward  Myers,  General  Manager;  M.  Riebe- 
nack,  Comptroller;  H.  S.  P.  Nichols,  Assistant  General  Counsel; 
H.  P.  Conner,  Assistant  Treasurer;  R.  L.  Franklin,  Freight  Claim 
Agent;  also  Mr.  H.  E.  Huff,  General  Manager,  Adams  Express  Com- 
pany; Judge  Wm.  H.  Staake;  Rev.  Chas.  R.  Erdman,  of  Princeton 
Theological  Seminary;  Walter  C.  Douglas,  General  Secretary  of  the 
Philadelphia  Association;  H.  O.  Williams,  International  Secretary; 
J.  B.  Carruthers,  State  Secretary;  and  representatives  from  many 
other  Associations  on  the  Pennsylvania  System. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  evening  a  very  beautiful  floral  tribute 
was  sent  to  Mr.  Patton's  table  with  the  compliments  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  M.  Riebenack.  The  repast  being  finished,  Mr.  Patton  rose  to 
call  the  meeting  to  order,  when  Mr.  Jefferson  Justice,  First  Vice- 
Chairman,  arose  and  said : 

"Mr  Chairman: — I  beg  leave  at  this  point  to  say  a  few  words 
to  the  members  of  the  Committee  of  Management,  to  the  Committee- 
men and  other  friends  of  the  Association  here  assembled. 

"Gentlemen: — No  doubt  the  schedule  of  proceedings  prepared 
by  the  Chairman  for  use  this  evening  is  in  many  respects  an  admirable 
one,  and  under  ordinary  conditions  no  one  would  think  of  suggesting 
that  it  be  changed.  But  this  is  not  an  ordinary  occasion.  On  the 
contrary,  it  is  a  very  important  anniversary  occasion,  and  it  becomes 
my  duty  at  this  time,  as  First  Vice-Chairman  of  the  Committee  of 
Management,  to  request  the  Chairman  to  remain  seated  and  enjoy 
himself  as  best  he  may  while  another  schedule,  prepared  by  the 
Committee  without  his  assistance,  and  which  in  many  particulars 
is  much  better  than  his  own,  unfolds  itself. 

"This  is  a  point  in  the  life  of  our  Association  at  which  it  may 
not  be  unprofitable  for  us  to  inquire  very  briefly  what  has  been 

229 


accomplished  in  the  decade  which,  with  its  now  changeless  record, 
has  passed  forever  beyond  our  reach. 

"A  Httle  illustrated  card,  prepared  by  the  Membership  Commit- 
tee for  distribution  here  this  evening,  tells  the  story  in  part. 

"Carelessly  regarded,  it  appears  a  very  simple,  natural  thing 
for  the  conditions  of  1899  to  have  developed  in  ten  years  into  what 
we  now  see.  I  say,  it  would  so  seem  to  a  superficial  observer;  but 
who  does  not  know  that  growth,  such  as  this,  never  comes  about 
naturally.  There  always  must  be,  as  in  this  case,  a  large  amount 
of  self-denial,  painstaking  care,  and  old-fashioned  hard  work. 

"This  is  obviously  not  the  time  to  make  note  of  the  splendid 
work  done  by  the  General  Secretary,  the  Chairmen  of  the  several 
Committees  and  their  able  assistants. 

"It  is  our  purpose  to  inquire  briefly  under  whose  wise  leader- 
ship the  interests  of  this  Association  have  been  advanced  to  the  point 
they  now  occupy. 

"But  the  graphic  story  told  by  the  pictures  on  that  little  card 
does  not,  by  any  means,  complete  the  history. 

"There  is  the  matter  of  our  unpaid  obligations  as  they  stood 
recorded  in  1899.  Oui-  mortgage  and  floating  indebtedness  at  that 
time  aggregated  the  tidy  sum  of  $37,163.  We  cannot  follow  the 
lead  of  that  statesman  of  national  reputation  who  assured  the  country 
that  'a  national  debt  was  a  national  blessing,'  and  so  we  have  rejoiced 
greatly  as  we  saw  this  burden,  under  the  persistent  efforts  of  wise 
leadership,  shrink  from  year  to  year,  until  now  it  is  but  $9000. 
Meanwhile  there  has  been  secured  for  the  several  new  departments 
the  sum  of  $36,745,  making  a  total  of  about  $65,000  for  hquidation 
and  improvements. 

"And  this  makes  no  note  of  many  odd  items  of  repair  and 
betterment  which  were  provided  for  by  someone  who  loved  the 
Association  but  failed  to  present  a  bill.  And  so  it  has  been  going 
on  from  year  to  year. 

"The  membership  in  1899  was 1,411 

It  is  now 1,981 

"On  all  lines  success.  And  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, dominant  as  they  should  ever  be,  have  been  maintained  in 
the  ascendency. 

"The  story  is  necessarily  incomplete,  but  it  cannot  be  finished 
here.  The  proposition  to  do  something,  relatively  small  though 
it  must  needs  be,    to    show    appreciation  of   this  labor  of  love 

230 


with  its  far-reaching  results,   has  met  with  uniform,  enthusiastic 
assent. 

"Mr.  Patton,  on  behalf  of  the  Committee  of  Management,  and 
the  officers,  I  now  have  great  pleasure  in  presenting  to  you  this 
loving-cup,  brimming  with  the  affectionate  regard  of  your  fellows." 


Mr.  Patton,  taken  completely  by  surprise,  then  replied: 

"Mr.  Justice,  Fellow-Members,  Committeemen,  Friends 
— I  must  confess  that  I  felt  surprised  when  I  listened,  with  you,  to 
the  opening  portion  of  Mr.  Justice's  address,  and  that  somewhat  of 
an  advantage  was  being  taken  of  me,  but  now,  at  the  close,  I  am  over- 
whelmed by  a  sense  of  appreciation  of  your  kindness  and  though  tful- 
ness.  Mr.  Justice's  remarks  were  not  upon  the  programme,  and  I  had 
visions  that  the  First  Vice-Chairman  was  usurping  power,  or  that  an 
incipient  strike  was  being  organized;  in  fact,  I  did  not  know  what 
sort  of  a  demand  might  be  made  upon  us  before  he  finished.  I  soon 
found  that  I  was  wrong  in  these  presumptions,  and  I  then  concluded 
that  Mr.  Justice's  words  pertained  to  the  wonderful  progress  made 
by  this  Association  in  the  last  decade.  That  his  remarks  were 
to  be  specifically  directed  to  my  service  as  General  Chairman  has 
taken  me  quite  unawares;  in  fact,  it  had  not  occurred  to  me  until 
it  was  mentioned  that  I  had  had  the  honor  of  occupying  this  impor- 
tant position  for  a  period  of  ten  years.  The  time  has  rolled  around 
so  quickly,  and  so  pleasant  has  been  my  work  in  connection  with  this 
Association  and  with  the  men  who  are  active  in  it  as  committeemen 
and  members,  that  it  is  hard  to  realize  the  rapidity  with  which  the 
years  pass  by. 

"I  recall  very  well  that  when  my  worthy  predecessor,  Mr.  Latta, 
who  had  done  so  much  in  founding  and  building  up  this  Association, 
and  to  whom  so  much  credit  is  due,  decided  on  account  of  his  retire- 
ment from  the  service  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  to  resign 
as  General  Chairman  of  this  Department,  I  was  approached  by  one  or 
two  kind  friends  and  asked  whether  I  would  be  willing  to  assume  the 
duties  Mr.  Latta  had  so  well  performed.  Realizing  the  great  respon- 
sibilites  that  devolved  upon  this  office,  and  feeling  that  they  might  be 
better  placed  in  other  hands,  I  was  impelled  to  decline,  but  my 
great  chief,  Mr.  Cassatt,  who  has  passed  into  the  Beyond,  came  to 
me  and  asked  me  if  I  would  not  reconsider;  to  which  I  replied  that 

231 


I  would  if  he  wanted  me  to,  as  I  thoroughly  believed  in  the  work. 
I  had  been  on  the  Committee  of  Management  and  the  Advisory 
Committee,  but  perhaps,  like  some  others,  had  not  been  very  active; 
but  when  this  call  came  in  the  manner  in  which  it  did  I  really  felt 
that  it  would  not  only  be  a  duty  but  a  pleasure  for  me  to  take  up 
the  work  and  give  it  the  best  service  that  I  could.  I  have  never 
ceased  to  thank  God  that  I  was  made  to  reach  this  decision,  as  my 
work  during  the  past  ten  years  in  connection  with  this  Department 
has  been  of  the  most  pleasant  character.  As  I  have  said  to  the 
Committee  of  Management  on  more  than  one  occasion,  when  they 
have  done  me  the  honor  to  re-elect  me  to  the  position  of  General 
Chairman  and  put  up  with  my  infirmities  and  shortcomings,  there 
is  no  honor  that  comes  to  me  during  the  year  that  I  prize  so  highly 
as  that  of  being  elected  to  the  position  which  I  occupy  in  this  Asso- 
ciation. It  is  a  distinction  that  any  man  might  well  be  proud  of, 
and  my  only  fear  is  my  inability  to  do  justice  to  the  great  responsi- 
bilities which  accompany  it.  I  desire  to  express  my  high  sense  of 
appreciation  in  having  been  permitted  to  occupy  this  office  for  a 
period  of  ten  years,  and  to  have  been  associated  with  such  a  class 
of  men  as  we  have  in  our  Department,  especially  those  identified 
with  committee  work.  I  think  I  am  safe  in  saying  that  there  is  no 
better  aggregation  of  men  anywhere  than  those  who  so  ably  and 
unselfishly  labor  in  the  interests  of  this  Association  on  its  various 
committees;  in  fact,  our  success  has,  in  my  judgment,  been  largely 
attributable  to  the  strong  committees  and  committeemen  with  which 
we  have  been  blessed,  and  to  the  efficient  service  rendered  by  Mr. 
Bartlett,  Mr.  Humphrey,  Mr.  Keeler,  Professor  Sims  and  our  various 
other  Secretaries,  as  well  as  those  who  have  preceded  them.  We  are 
fortunate,  too,  in  having  an  Advisory  Board,  consisting  of  such  men  as 
Mr.  Shortridge  (the  Chairman),  Mr.  McCrea,  Mr.  Pugh,  Mr.  Riebenack — 
who  is  here  at  my  right — Mr.  Barnes  and  Mr.  Cuyler,  to  whom  we 
can  go  at  any  time  for  the  good  advice  which  they  are  always  ready 
to  cheerfully  give.  The  general  affairs  of  the  Association,  as  you 
know,  are  looked  after  by  the  Committee  of  Management,  consisting 
of  about  thirty-five  members,  of  which  I  think  at  least  twenty- 
five  are  here  tonight.  This  Committee  meets  quarterly,  receiving 
reports  from  the  various  committees  and  disposing  of  such  business 
as  may  come  before  it  affecting  the  interests  of  the  Department; 
so  that  the  service  of  the  General  Chairman  is  not  of  so  much  moment 
after  all — the  splendid  organization,  embracing  the  Vice-Chairmen, 
Committee  of  Management,  Secretaries,  Committeemen,  etc.,   being 

232 


quite  capable  of  carrying  it  along,  and  in  case  of  emergency  Mr.  H. 
O.  Williams,  of  the  International  Committee,  could  be  impressed 
into  service. 

"This  Association  movement  is  one  of  world-wide  importance, 
and  is  bound  to  succeed  and  grow  in  strength,  if  for  no  other  reason 
than  that  it  has  as  its  basis  Christianity,  love  of  God  and  love  of  our 
fellow-man.  There  are  many  phases  of  the  work,  appealing  to  all 
men,  and  those  that  are  inclined  athletically,  or  towards  educational 
lines,  religious  service,  or  any  other  of  the  nobler  activities  of  man 
can  all  find  their  wants  amply  provided  for  in  this  building  and  its 
branches. 

"In  conclusion,  allow  me  to  thank  you  sincerely  for  your  kind- 
ness, for  your  cordial  expressions,  for  the  loyal  support  that  you 
have  given  me  during  my  administration  of  the  affairs  of  this  Asso- 
ciation, and  for  this  beautiful  loving-cup,  which  shall  always  be  kept 
and  cherished  by  me  as  a  most  pleasant  memento  of  this  occasion 
as  well  as  of  the  ten  years'  service  which  I  have  had  the  honor  to 
give." 


Mr.  Justice,  continuing  to  preside,  then  said: 

"  I  think  it  safe  to  say  that  in  every  great  organization,  as  in 
the  case  of  every  great  man,  you  will  find  marked  characteristics. 
Otherwise  they  would  not  be  great;  and  I  have  been  thinking  what 
it  is,  what  principles  have  been  operated  on  in  conducting  the  busi- 
ness of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company.  It  is  not  my  purpose 
to  explain  this,  as  time  would  not  permit,  but  I  wish  to  call  atten- 
tion to  one  of  the  things  that  have  characterized  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  Company  ever  since  I  have  had  any  knowledge  of  its 
operations.  That  is,  that  from  its  earliest  history  the  Company 
has  always  been  on  the  lookout  for  good  things  and  alert  to  grasp 
them  and  utilize  them,  and  that  explains  why  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  Company  caught  hold  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  with  both  hands  about  the  time  it  begun  to  show  its 
head  above  the  horizon.  It  is  that  characteristic  that  made  the 
Company  great,  and  it  has  helped  to  make  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  great.     It  acts  and  reacts,  as  it  should. 

"We  have  with  us  this  evening  the  General  Manager  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  who  kindly  consented  to  come 
and  help  us  out.     Without  any  hesitation  he  gave  countenance  to 

233 


what  I  told  him  in  English  words  was  a  little  '  game'  we  were  setting 
up  on  the  General  Chairman  of  this  Association." 

Mr.  Myers  replied  and,  among  other  things,  said: 

"I  hope  Mr.  Patton  will  permit  me  to  add  the  expression  of 
my  appreciation  to  that  which  has  been  symbolized  by  the  presenta- 
tion of  this  cup  to  him,  and  I  hope  he  may  continue  to  prosper  and 
serve  this  Association  for  many  years  to  come." 

Mr.  Justice  remarked  that  this  meeting  would  not  be  complete 
without  a  few  words  from  a  representative  of  the  Advisory  Com- 
mittee, and  the  head  of  the  Accounting  Department  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad  Company,  Mr.  M.  Riebenack,  was  then  called 
upon: 

"Mr.  Cassatt  was  a  far-sighted  man  and  a  great  President  of 
the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company.  When  he  selected  Mr.  Patton 
to  take  the  General  Chairmanship  of  this  Association  he  knew 
his  man  thoroughly.  Human  life  is  subject  to  many  changes.  It 
has  its  joys,  its  pleasures,  its  sorrows,  its  disappointments.  Briefly 
we  may  summarize  it  as  follows:  Man  is  born  and  baptised;  is 
mated  and  married;  dies  and  is  buried.  These  three  are  the  great 
epochs  in  a  man's  life,  and  between  the  first  and  last,  blessed  is 
the  man  who  can  conscientiously  say  in  his  own  heart  that  he  has 
done  his  duty.  I  am  sure  this  is  the  reward  that  Mr.  Patton  can 
look  forward  to,  and  I  am  also  sure  that  I  voice  the  sentiment  of 
all  you  gentlemen.  I  wish  he  may  have  long  life  and  happiness 
and  success  in  the  years  to  come." 

Mr.  W.  C.  Douglas,  who  spoke  on  behalf  of  the  Board  of  Directors : 

"We  admire  him  on  the  Board  of  Directors  for  his  ability,  we 

honor  him  for  his  absolute  integrity  of  character  and  purity  of  motive, 

we  love  him  more  than  a  thousand  loving  cups  or  a  thousand  banquet 

speeches  could  half  tell." 

Mr.  H.  O.  Williams,  International  Secretary: 

"I  want  to  say  that  you  appreciate  the  great  work  of  Mr. 
Patton,  and  he  deserves  well  that  you  do.  He  has  also  served  us  as 
well  with  his  advise  and  counsel,  and  in  every  way  that  he  possibly 
could." 

234 


Mr.  Williams  also  expressed  the  hope  that  Mr.  Patton  would 
be  spared  for  many  years  to  come,  to  continue  in  his  work,  and 
extended  him  the  best  wishes  of  the  International  Committee. 

The  work  and  its  scope  for  the  year  1909  is  well  told  of  in  the 
statistics  and  committee  reports  for  the  year  presented  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  Management  January  20,  1910.  The  abstracts  which 
follow  below  when  compared  with  the  reports  in  the  earlier  pages 
of  this  book  will  show  the  advancement  which  has  been  made : 


Report  of  the  General  Chairman. 

To  Members  and  Friends  : — I  beg  to  submit,  for  the  information 
of  the  members  and  friends  of  the  P.  R.  R.  Department  Y.  M.  C.  A. 
of  Philadelphia,  abstracts  from  the  reports  of  the  various  committees 
presented  at  the  January  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Management, 
which  show  the  most  satisfactory  progress  of  the  work  in  all  its 
branches  during  the  year  1909. 

A  glance  at  the  following  summary  indicates  very  clearly  the 
activities  of  our  Association.  Great  credit  is  due  to  the  Chairmen 
of  the  various  committees  and  the  three  hundred  and  fifty-five  active 
committeemen  for  the  keen  interest  and  self-sacrificing  devotion 
they  have  shown  to  the  work,  and  the  same  tribute  can  properly 
be  paid  to  our  splendid  staff  of  secretaries  and  employes.  Our  work 
was  never  better  organized  nor  our  Association  better  equipped 
for  performing  the  duties  devolving  upon  us  than  at  present,  and 
we  are  looking  forward  to  making  1910  the  best  year  in  our 
history. 

The  Association  lost  by  death  during  the  past  year  two  of  its 
Vice-Chairmen — Mr.  Roger  Hendley,  Third  Vice-Chairman,  who 
died  January  27,  1909,  and  Capt.  C.  G.  Cadwallader,  First  Vice- 
Chairman,  who  died  April  6,  1909 — both  of  whom  have  been  con- 
nected with  the  Association  for  many  years  and  had  rendered  most 
valuable  service.  Mr.  Jefferson  Justice  was  elected  First  Vice- 
Chairman,  to  take  the  place  of  Captain  Cadwallader,  Mr.  George 
K.  Grone,  Second  Vice-Chairman,  and  Mr.  H.  E.  HufiF,  Third  Vice- 
Chairman.  The  vacancies  in  the  Committee  of  Management  were 
filled  by  the  selection  of  Mr.  W.  Heyward  Myers  and  Mr.  J.  G.  Rod- 
gers.  Mr.  J.  C.  Mengel  was  also  appointed  to  succeed  Mr.  T.  M. 
French  on  the  Committee  of  Management,  Mr.  French's  retirement 
being  made  necessary  by  his  removal  from  the  city. 

235 


The  Association  has  lost  by  resignation  the  services  of  Dr.  Arthur 
Holmes,  who  had  been  Educational  and  Religious  Work  Director 
for  several  years  past,  and  who  has  accepted  a  position  tendered 
him  by  the  University  of  Pennsylvania.  Dr.  Holmes'  retirement 
necessitated  the  reorganization  of  the  secretarial  staff,  which  was 
accomplished  by  the  promotion  of  Mr.  Rubens  Humphrey  to  the 
position  of  Director  of  Activities  and  Mr.  J.  Frank  Keeler  to  the 
position  of  Secretary,  Main  Building. 

W.  A.  PaTTon, 

General  Chairman. 


236 


Financial  Statement 
For  year  ending  December  31,  1909, 


Balance  on  hand,  January  1,  1909 

Athletic — Physical  work. 

Repairs  to  building 

Contributions — Current  expenses.. 

Contributions — Mortgage 

Entertainments  and  lectures 

House — Heat,  light  and  service 

Educational  work 

Boys'  Department  and  seashore 
house..- - -- 

Library. 

Literary 

Music — Instruction,  etc 

Membership. 

Miscellaneous.. 

Printing  and  office  supplies,  and 
Bulletin 

Postage  and  incidentals 

Religious  work,  Bible  study  exten- 
sion  

Socials  and  receptions... 

Salaries — Main  building 

Salaries — Annex  Department 

Interest  on  mortgage.... 

Interest  from  investments.. 

Mechanical  instruction. 

New  boat  fund  and  account 

Amount  appropriated  for  working 
expenses  during  early  months 
of  1910 

Balance  on  hand,  December  31, 
1909 


Receipts.  Disbursements. 

$780.81 

2,818.95  $2,955.17 

356.44 

18,283.00 

2,500.00  2,500.00 

5,454.30  5,781.48 

225.88  3,131.55 

596.20  2,302.17 

2,288.97  3,176.74 

186.33  1,476.21 

20.34 

71.90  275.35 
4,652.06 

229.64  1,127.49 

300.00  694.65 
659.26 

1,694.81  3,431.98 

17.20  265.65 

6,069.00 

1,800.00 

296.04 

309.22 

36.00 

1,430.51  1,430.51 

2,500.00 

1,553.75 

$41,839.78  $41,839.78 


H.  P.  Conner, 

Treasurer. 


237 


Summary  of  Statistics 
For  the  year  1909. 

Religious.  Sessions.       Attendance. 

Meetings. 147  15,665 

Bible  classes - 218  3,208 

Total- - 365         18,873 

(Twelve  Bible  classes  per  week — enrollment,  504.) 

Educational. 

Classes 488  4,053 

Clubs.- 118  1,977 

Lectures 7  4,165 

Total 613  10,195 

(Sixteen  dififerent  classes — enrollment,  321.) 

Physical. 

Main  building 369  9,055 

Annex— 75  882 

Athletic  field 236  17,995 

Total 680         27,932 

Social. 

Receptions,  teas,  socials,  etc 94  10,260 

Entertainments 86         60,635 

Total... 180  70,895 

Totals 1,838        127,895 

Visitation  of  sick 546 

New  Year's  Day  reception,  1909 3,457 

Books  drawn  from  library ...21,319 

ATTENDANCE. 

Religious  services  and  classes 18,873 

Entertainments  and  lectures 60,592 

Gymnasium  classes .— -     9,717 

Social  gatherings 10,260 

Athletic  field 17,995 

Annex 89,290 

Main  building. 134,967 

Seashore  house  (summer  months) — .     2,745 

Grand  total 344,439 

238 


Membership  on  roll,  Seniors  and  Intermediates 1,734 

Membership  on  roll,  Juniors 193 

Deaths 9 

Removals  from  city  or   transferred    to  other  divi- 
sions   66 

Left  service 164 

Resignations,  etc 172 

Total 2,338 


Abstracts  from  Reports  of  Committee  Chairmen. 

Athletic  Committee. 

The  gymnasium  classes  at  the  main  building  and  annex  which 
closed  last  spring  were  probably  the  best  we  had  had  up  to  that  time, 
the  attendance  being  maintained  practically  intact  up  to  the  end  of 
the  season.  The  classes  during  the  fall  and  winter  months,  which 
are  still  in  progress,  have  shown  even  better  enrollments,  and  we 
believe  that  many  of  our  members  are  deriving  great  physical  benefit 
through  this  medium. 

The  various  games,  such  as  pool,  shuffleboard,  bowling,  shooting- 
gallery,  etc.,  have  as  heretofore  been  liberally  patronized  by  the  mem- 
bership, except  that  the  pool  at  the  annex  has  not  been  quite  as 
much  used  as  in  previous  years.  This  is  probably  due  to  the  fact  that 
the  tables  are  no  longer  a  novelty  and  that  we  are  now  down  to  a 
permanent  basis  of  patronage. 

The  outdoor  work  at  the  atheltic  field  during  the  spring,  summer 
and  fall  months  has  been  of  a  very  encouraging  nature,  particularly 
in  baseball,  although  proper  emphasis  should  be  laid  upon  the  de- 
velopment of  tennis  and  track  and  field  sports,  interest  in  the  latter 
having  been  considerably  increased  by  reason  of  our  active  partici- 
pation in  the  affairs  of  the  Athletic  League  of  North  America,  which 
is  the  amateur  league  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.'s.  A  soccer  football  team  was 
also  maintained,  in  spite  of  the  fact  that  we  lost  our  membership  in 
the  Cricket  Club  League. 

The  principal  improvements  made  to  the  Committee's  equip- 
ment during  the  year  were : 

First. — A  new  open  stand  on  the  athletic  field,  100  feet  long,  to 
take  the  place  of  the  old  200  feet  stand,  which  was  in  bad  repair. 
It  was  decided  by  the  Committee  that  the  old  stand  was  larger  than 
was  needed  for  our  purposes;  therefore  the  reduction  in  the  length 
of  the  new  stand. 

239 


Second. — Improved  and  substantial  backstops  for  the  tennis 
courts,  which  have  been  much  appreciated. 

Third. — New  maple  floor  on  gymnasium,  main  building. 

The  facilities  in  the  buildings  as  well  as  on  the  grounds  have 
been  maintained  in  a  high  state  of  efficiency. 

This  Committee  desires  to  call  special  attention  to  the  marked 
success  which  has  attended  the  policy  adopted  several  years  ago, 
and  which  was  pushed  very  vigorously  during  1909,  namely,  the 
organization  of  leagues  composed  of  teams  representing  various  de- 
partments in  the  service,  the  purpose  being  to  encourage  the  use  of 
our  facilities  by  the  general  membership  to  as  great  an  extent  as 
possible.  Notable  success  was  obtained  with  the  General  Office 
Baseball  lycague,  consisting  of  twelve  teams,  in  connection  with 
which  Mr.  M.  Riebenack,  Comptroller,  P.  R.  R.,  offered  a  silver  cup 
as  a  mernorial  to  his  son,  M.  Riebenack,  Jr.  This  cup  was  won  by  the 
team  representing  the  Auditor  of  Merchandise  Freight  Receipts,  and 
the  final  contests  made  necessary  by  the  tie  which  existed  between 
this  team  and  the  Purchasing  Department  were  attended  by  large 
and  enthusiastic  crowds,  fully  taxing  the  capacity  of  our  grounds. 
The  presentation  of  the  cup  by  Mr.  Riebenack  at  the  main  building 
on  Monday  evening,  October  IS,  was  also  largely  attended. 

The  departmental  idea  has  also  been  developed  in  connection 
with  the  Night  Men's  Baseball  League  and  the  General  Office  Bowling 
League  and  the  General  Office  Basket-Bail  League,  all  of  which  are 
in  a  thriving  condition,  so  that  your  Committee  feels  that  this  policy 
has  already  been  fully  justified  by  results,  and  that  the  friendly  con- 
tests which  are  encouraged  by  these  leagues  cannot  fail  to  be  of 
great  benefit  to  our  members  as  well  as  to  the  interest  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. 

J,  N.  PURVIANCB, 

Chairman. 
BUII.DING  Committee. 

First. — Repairs  were  made  to  the  ceiling  of  the  library  occa- 
sioned by  the  falling  of  the  chimney  during  the  storm  of  February  10. 
The  old  ceiling  was  removed  and  large  skylights  were  placed  in  the 
roof,  which  give  additional  light  to  the  room. 

Second. — The  seats  in  the  gallery  of  the  auditorium  have  been 
elevated  to  permit  a  good  view  of  the  stage.  Formerly  these  seats 
were  practically  useless. 

Third. — The  moving-picture  booth  in  the  auditorium  was 
extended  to  make  room  for  a  spot-light. 

240 


Fourth. — A  coal  vault  was  constructed  under  the  pavement 
on  the  Forty-first  Street  side.  This  permits  the  keeping  of  a  large 
supply  of  coal  on  hand,  which  it  was  not  possible  to  do  before  the 
vault  was  constructed. 

Fifth. — The  old  toilet-rooms  in  the  basement  have  been  entirely 
remodeled,  and  all  the  wooden  flooring  and  fixtures  were  removed 
and  cement  floors  with  modern  sanitary  plumbing  and  drainage 
have  been  installed. 

Sixth. — Wire  screens  have  been  placed  in  two  area  windows  on 
the  Forty-first  Street  side  to  protect  the  glass,  and  also  a  grating 
was  put  over  one  areaway  to  prevent  any  possible  accident. 

Seventh. — A  small  dark  room  has  been  built  at  the  end  of  the 
lecture-room  for  the  development  of  prints,  etc. 

Eighth. — The  rear  entrance  to  the  auditorium  has  been  repaired 
and  painted.  The  senior  locker-room  entrance  to  the  bowling  alleys 
and  the  old  kitchen  have  been  painted,  and  the  engine  and  boiler 
rooms  have  been  whitewashed. 

Joseph  T.  Richards, 

Chairman. 

Bible  Study  Department. 

The  Bible  study  classes  are  responsible  for  producing  more  men 
whose  minds  have  been  quickened  to  active  Association  work  than 
any  other  one  means. 

It  is  on  the  study  of  the  Bible  and  prayer  that  the  Association 
is  built.  The  lasting  and  earnest  work  of  the  Association  depends 
largely  on  the  organization,  efficiency  and  helpfulness  of  the  Bible 
study  classes. 

Bible  study  has  been  successfully  carried  on  in  the  main  building, 
shops,  by  correspondence,  and  at  the  seashore  house.  Over  504 
different  men  and  boys  were  enrolled  in  the  various  classes — many 
more  attending  not  enrolled.  There  was  a  total  attendance  of  3208 
for  all  classes  held. 

E.  Y.  jEFFERis, 

Chairman. 

Extension  Work  Committee. 

The  Extension  Work  Committee  has  been  following  out  policies 
of  former  years,  and  has  helped  maintain  the  work  for  consumptives 
at  the  Denver  Health  Farms  and  the  work  among  Japanese  young 
men  at  Osaka  and  Kobe,  Japan. 

241 


Subscriptions  and  receipts  from  candy  sold  have  about  met 
our  pledges  to  the  International  Committee. 

A  very  interesting  missionary  meeting  was  held  on  Sunday 
afternoon,  November  21,  at  which  time  Dr.  Charles  R.  Watson,  for- 
merly a  missionary  to  Arabia,  gave  a  stirring  address. 

JNO.  M.  DORAN, 

Chairman. 
Entertainment  Committee. 

Our  Entertainment  Committee  begs  to  report  a  successful  year, 
especially  in  the  earlier  part  of  the  season.  The  receipts  for  the  year 
were  $5454.34,  while  the  expenses  were  $5781.48,  making  a  balance 
of  expenses  over  receipts  of  $327.18,  or  $72.82  less  than  our  annual 
appropriation.  We  feel  reasonably  certain  that  the  balance  would 
have  been  on  the  other  side  of  the  account  but  for  the  opening  of 
the  William  Penn  Theatre  on  I^ancaster  Avenue,  in  the  early  fall, 
which  has  materially  affected  the  attendance  at  our  motion -picture 
entertainments,  making  it  necessary  to  abandon  the  Tuesday  night 
concerts  entirely;  also  decreasing  attendance  on  Saturday  night, 
though  the  latter  still  remains  fairly  good. 

It  was  also  decided  by  the  Committee  to  institute  a  lecture  course 

in  an  effort  to  establish  an  interest  in  that  form  of  entertainment, 

and  we  were  highly  encouraged  with  the  results,  as  there  was  an 

average  attendance  of  about  three  hundred  at  each  of  the  seven 

lectures  given. 

Charles  C.  Kinney, 

Chairman. 
Finance  Committee. 

During  the  year  1909,  and  as  Chairman  of  the  Finance  Com- 
mittee, I  have  approved  nine  hundred  and  seventy-nine  (979)  vouch- 
ers, after  having  examined  carefully  all  original  bills  and  accounts. 
I  take  much  pleasure  in  noting  that  the  budget  presented  to  the 
Committee  of  Management  last  year  was  ample  to  cover  the  needs 
of  the  work,  and  that  at  the  close  of  the  year  the  total  of  the 
budget  was  exceeded  by  less  than  $200. 

J.  K.  RyniER, 

Chairman. 

Grounds  Committee. 

The  Grounds  Committee  begs  to  report  that  nothing  unusual 
occurred  during  the  year  1909  so  far  as  the  work  covered  by  it  is 
concerned. 

242 


The  outlook  for  1910  is  very  promising,  as  the  new  fence  along 
the  railroad,  for  which  vv'e  have  been  working  for  some  time,  has  at 
last  been  authorized  and  will  be  erected  at  an  early  date. 

F.  W.  Smith,  Jr., 

Chairman. 

[The  Chairman  of  the  Grounds  Committee  was  very  modest  in 
presenting  the  above  brief  report,  and  it  is  only  fair  to  add  that  the 
exceedingly  well-kept  lawn  and  the  display  of  beautiful  flowers  and 
shrubbery  was  made  possible  only  because  of  Mr.  Smith's  close  atten- 
tion and  deep  interest  in  this  part  of  the  work.] 

House  Committee. 

We  have  been  constantly  following  up  minor  repairs  to  the  equip- 
ment, and  as  a  result  our  building  is  in  good  physical  condition.  The 
addition  of  the  new  coal  vault  under  the  pavement  has  made  the 
cleaning  work  a  much  easier  task,  as  we  find  there  is  not  nearly  so 
much  coal  dust  spreading  through  the  building.  We  hear  many 
very  favorable  comments  on  the  new  toilet-room  equipment  for  the 
gymnasium,  as  well  as  the  one  for  our  visiting  friends.  The  Inter- 
mediates have  been  allowed  the  use  of  one  of  the  class  rooms  on  the 
main  floor  for  club-room  purposes,  which  has  been  the  means  of 
keeping  in  our  building  a  number  of  these  young  fellows  who  are 
hard  to  reach.  The  installation  of  the  dark  room  for  our  camera 
enthusiasts  was  a  valuable  addition  to  our  main-building  privileges 
and  is  now  quite  complete  in  its  make-up. 

During  the  year  we  lost  by  resignation  Walter  Foster,  who  has 
been  with  us  for  a  number  of  years,  and  who  resigned  to  accept  an 
offer  to  become  Secretary  of  the  Colored  Branch  of  the  Montclair 
(N.  J.)  Y.  M.  C.  A. 

George  H.  Grone, 

Chairman. 

Educational  Committee. 

The  Educational  Classes  and  Clubs  during  the  year  ending 
December  31  were  maintained  as  heretofore.  Very  little  change  in 
schedule,  teachers,  class  fees,  hours  of  instruction,  or  subjects  taught 
over  the  preceding  year. 

Classes  in  arithmetic,  bookkeeping,  English,  spelling,  mechanical 
drawing,  elementary  and  advanced  stenography,  telegraphy,  pen- 
manship and  special  accounting  all  show  an  increased  enrollment  in 
the  fall  term  of  1909  over  the  same  period  of  1908. 

243 


The  policy  of  this  department  has  been  to  train  the  untrained, 
to  develop  skill  in  the  unskilled,  and  to  increase  the  efficiency  of  the 
young  men  generally.  It  is  indeed  a  satisfaction  to  know  that  so 
many  of  our  young  men  now  occupying  positions  of  importance 
with  the  Company  owe  their  advancement  to  the  instruction 
received  in  the  educational  classes  of  the  Association. 

Number  of  different  students  enrolled  for  the  year,  321 ;  number 
of  sessions  held  in  classes  and  clubs,  613.    Total  attendance,  10,195. 

Montgomery  Smith, 

Chairman. 

Junior  Department. 

Work  at  Main  Building. 

Membership,  193,   an  increase  of  36  over  1908. 

Attendance  at  rooms,  9760,  an  increase  of  2052  over  1908. 

Attendance  at  services,  1479,  an  increase  of  271  over  1908. 

Attendance  at  Bible  classes,  734,  an  increase  of  344  over  1908. 

Attendance  at  socials  and  entertainments,  3029,  a  decrease  of 
2041  from  1908. 

Attendance  at  gymnasium  classes,  2864,  an  increase  of  497  over 
1908. 

Attendance  at  athletic  grounds,  3420,  the  same  as  last  year. 

Attendance  at  educational  classes,  138,  an  increase  of  90  over 
1908. 

The  same  general  plans  relating  to  the  detail  work  of  the  depart- 
ment have  been  followed  as  in  previous  years,  and  from  the  above 
figures  it  will  be  apparent  that  there  is  no  cessation  of  interest  on 
the  part  of  the  "Freshmen"  of  the  Association.  It  is  proper  that 
acknowledgment  should  be  made  of  the  efficient  services  rendered 
by  the  Boys'  Work  Director,  T.  Curtis  Essick,  which  largely  con- 
tributed to  the  satisfactory  results  shown. 

Seashore  House. 

Number  registered,  312,  an  increase  of  32  over  1908. 

Attendance  for  season,  2745. 

In  the  statement  submitted  at  the  meeting  of  the  Committee 
of  Management  in  October  last  the  following  report  of  operations 
was  given  for  the  1909  season,  and  are  included  here  as  a  matter  of 
record  for  the  report  of  the  year: 

244 


RECEIPTS. 

From  members $1 ,374.20 

From  contributions 800.00 

$2,174.20 

EXPENSES. 

By  Commissary $1 ,772.76 

By  house  operation — light,  heat,  repairs,  etc.  161.15 

By  repairs  to  dormer  windows 119.00 

By  concreting,  piHng  and  new  sidewalks 57.15 

2,110.06 


Leaving  a  balance  in  hand $64.14 

The  addition  of  the  sloop  Pennsy  to  the  boat  equipment  has 
aroused  much  interest  and  has  been  of  great  use  in  the  summer's 
work.  Aside  from  the  actual  need  which  existed  for  a  boat  of  this 
character,  there  is  abundant  evidence  of  its  value  as  a  means  of 
further  tying  the  members  generally  to  the  work  of  the  Association 
at  a  time  when  activities  are  temporarily  suspended  at  the  main 
building.  Its  total  cost  was  $1430.51,  and  through  the  efforts  of 
Juniors,  ex-Juniors,  Seniors  and  friends,  subscriptions  from  twenty- 
five  cents  to  fifty  dollars,  aggregating  over  one  thousand  in  number 
and  $1230  in  amount,  were  secured  to  defray  this  expense,  the  Com- 
mittee of  Management  having  contributed  $200  towards  that  end. 

Your  Committee  takes  this  occasion  to  again  record  its  appre- 
ciation of  the  hearty  response  made  by  all  those  who  have  made 
this  result  possible. 

O.  J.  De  Rousse, 

Chairman. 

Library  Committee. 

Number  of  books  in  library,  December  31,  1908 9,707 

Number  of  books  lost  or  destroyed  during  year  1909 656 

Number  of  books  added  by  purchase  during  year  1909..237 
Number  of  books  added  by  donation  during  year  1909-305 

542 

114 

Number  of  books  in  library,  January  1,  1910 9,593 

These  9593  volumes  are  divided  as  follows : 

Main  building...._ 8,805 

Annex. 356 

Seashore  house 432 

245 


During  the  past  year  21,319  books  were  issued — 207  less  than 
in  1908. 

Many  of  the  books  were  damaged  beyond  repair  when  the 
chimney  on  the  main  building  was  blown  over,  practically  demolish- 
ing the  library,  and  for  a  period  of  about  six  weeks  we  were  able 
to  use  the  room  but  little.  This  accounts  for  the  decrease  in  cir- 
culation. In  order  to  replace  the  books  thus  destroyed  your  Com- 
mittee, under  date  of  March  1,  issued  a  circular  letter,  soliciting 
contributions  of  books  or  the  cash  equivalent,  and  in  response 
thereto  we  received  cash  contributions  totaling  $128.50,  in  addition 
to  a  considerable  number  of  books.  When  the  repairs  to  the  library 
were  being  made,  it  was  found  that  by  raising  the  ceiling  and  placing 
a  skylight  therein  it  would  afford  much  more  light  and  ventilation. 
The  bookcases  have  been  rearranged,  and  this,  with  the  above-men- 
tioned changes,  has  made  the  library  a  far  more  attractive  room. 

William  HammerslBy, 

Chairman. 
Music  Committee. 

The  several  musical  organizations  working  under  this  Com- 
mittee started  at  the  beginning  of  last  year  to  do  a  larger  work 
than  heretofore,  and  in  some  ways  they  have  accomplished  their 
ends. 

The  past  year  has  shown  the  possibilities  of  a  first-class  band. 
The  P.  R.  R.  Band  has  gained  an  enviable  reputation  among  the 
musical  organizations  of  the  city,  having  practiced  every  Tuesday 
night  in  the  year,  even  during  the  hot  weather. 

The  Choral  Society  has  been  reorganized  and  now  numbers 
sixty,  and  will  produce  the  opera  "Mikado"  in  the  spring. 

A  banjo  club  and  orchestra  also  were  maintained  during  the 
year. 

The  opening  of  a  new  year  brings  new  and  larger  opportunities 
to  the  Association  to  reach  railroad  men,  and  this  Committee  believes 
that  the  more  music  in  the  building,  the  more  attractive  it  becomes. 

R.  J.  McClain, 

Chairman. 
Membership  Committee — Eastern  District. 

The  records  show  that  on  January  1,  1909,  the  membership 
stood  at  1756,  divided  into  four  classes:  Senior  1351,  Intermediate 
136,  Juniors  169,  Woman's  Auxiliary  90.  One  year  later,  on  January 
1,  1910,  we  have  1927  in  the  membership,  with  1495  Seniors,  149 
Intermediates,   193  Juniors,  90  Woman's  Auxiliary;    the  greatest 

246 


gain  being  in  the  Senior  Class,  which  advanced  134  over  the  same 
period  last  year.  The  Sub-Chairman  of  the  Eastern  District  made 
a  systematic  effort  during  the  months  of  October  and  November 
and  secured  many  renewals  and  new  members.  A  number  of  our 
members  from  Broad  Street  Station  having  been  removed  to  the 
Fourth  Street  offices  caused  them  to  drop  their  membership. 

The  prospects  are  much  brighter  and  better  this  year  than  at 
the  same  period  last  season,  and  it  is  the  hope  and  desire  of  this 
Committee  to  see  the  membership  at  2500  by  January  1,  1911. 

J.  A.  Keesberry, 

Chairman. 
Membership  Committee — Western  District. 

It  has  become  more  and  more  a  problem  as  to  the  best  manner 
in  which  to  approach  the  large  number  of  men  located  in  the  shops, 
yards  and  roundhouses  for  membership  in  the  Association,  as  so 
many  of  these  men  now  live  at  a  distance  from  the  main  building 
and  are  debarred  from  entering  into  the  enjoyment  of  the  privileges 
offered. 

The  Sub-Chairmen  have  been  doing  a  very  good  work,  and  by 
following  up  renewals  and  looking  out  for  new  members  the  interest 
has  been  maintained. 

The  variety  of  privileges  offered  by  the  Association  are  greatly 
appreciated  by  the  men  who  can  use  them,  and  it  is  a  common  ex- 
pression to  hear  it  stated  "  The  Y.  M.  C.  A.  ticket  is  worth  double  what 
it  cost." 

The  night  men  have  taken  hold  of  the  membership  idea,  and 
during  the  past  year  many  of  them  have  become  active  in  the  work. 

H.  L.  Palmer, 

Chairman. 

In  addition  to  the  1927  members  reported  as  now  holding  tickets, 
our  Membership  Secretary  reports  that  411  men  left  service,  were 
transferred  to  other  localities,  or  on  account  of  death  or  for  other 
reasons  failed  to  renew,  making  a  total  of  2338  individuals  who  were 
members  of  the  Association  during  the  year  ending  December  31, 
1909. 

MechanicaIv  Instruction  Committee. 

During  the  spring  months  of  1909  the  Mechanical  Instruction 
Committee  arranged  with  an  instructor  for  class  instruction  in  air- 
brakes.    Classes  were  held  for  both  day  and  night  men.     Twenty- 

247 


two  sessions  were  held,  with  a  total  attendance  of  335.     The  Com- 
mittee is  arranging  for  a  similar  series  of  lectures  this  year. 

H.  M.  HiNKivE, 

Chairman. 

Religious  Meetings  Committee. 

During  the  year  just  past  there  were  held  146  religious  meetings, 
with  a  total  attendance  of  15,665.  The  religious  meetings  held  have 
been  arranged  for  as  follows : 

First. — Main  Building. 
Second. — Shops . 
Third. — Seashore  House. 
Fourth. — Annex. 

This  Committee  was  very  fortunate  in  again  securing  the  partial 
services  of  Rev.  Charles  R.  Krdman,  of  Princeton  Theological  Semi- 
nary, as  the  Sunday  afternoon  speaker  for  the  entire  season.  Thus 
Mr.  Erdman  commenced  his  sixteenth  consecutive  season  of  val- 
uable work  for  the  railroad  men  and  their  families. 

The  meetings  in  the  West  Philadelphia  shops,  Park  shops, 
and  Forty-sixth  Street  roundhouse  have  been  greatly  appreciated 
by  the  men,  and  the  men  themselves  have  entered  heartily  into  the 
work. 

This  Committee,  believing  in  the  preaching  of  the  Good  News  to 
the  men,  earnestly  look  forward  to  greater  results  this  coming  year. 

D.  W.  FrEas, 

Chairman. 

Social  Committee. 

Today,  as  for  many  years  back,  the  Social  Committee  is  showing 
that  fellowship  is  a  power  for  good  among  our  men.  Personal 
interest  in  every  member,  plus  the  hearty  welcome  and  handshake, 
has  produced  a  social  atmosphere  in  the  building  which  has  been 
productive  of  great  good. 

The  Social  Committee  has  been  called  upon  to  arrange  for  and 
help  in  all  departments  of  the  work,  assisting  in  all  receptions, 
suppers,  festivals,  club  meetings,  socials  and  Committeemen's  teas 
that  have  been  given.  Altogether  there  have  been  held  some  ninety- 
four  such  gatherings,  with  a  total  attendance,  including  New  Year's 
Day,  1909,  of  10,260. 

248 


The  greatest  work  of  this  Committee  cannot  be  put  in  a  report, 
as  it  is  the  silent  influence  of  sociability  which  is  maintained  through- 
out the  year. 

S.  D.  Mansfield,  Jr., 

Chairman. 
Sick  Visitation  Committee. 

Your  Chairman  on  Sick  Visitation  ofiFers  the  following  report 
of  the  work  done  during  the  year  1909: 

Sick  visits  made 546 

Your  Committee  feels  a  good  work  has  been  done  in  the  homes 
and  hospitals  through  prayer  and  the  reading  of  Scriptures  and  dona- 
tions of  fruit  and  flowers,  that  brought  cheer  to  our  fellows  and  drove 
away  the  sorrowful  moments  and  filled  their  hearts  with  sunshine. 
Your  Committee  hopes  that  they  may  be  able  to  widen  the  field  by 
adding  some  Committeemen's  names  for  the  outside  districts  that 
are  not  fully  covered  by  the  Committee  as  it  should  be — owing  to 
the  great  distance  some  of  our  railroad  men  reside — and  we  feel 
if  we  are  successful  in  the  matter  a  much  greater  work  can  be  accom- 
plished. 

T.  B.  EssiCK, 

Chairman. 
Report  of  Woman's  Auxiliary. 

During  the  past  year  the  Auxiliary  has  made  sixty-seven  calls 
on  the  sick,  and  has  sent  fruit  and  flowers  to  many.  The  Sunday 
afternoon  services  were  not  forgotten,  and  the  pulpit  always  decor- 
ated with  a  bouquet  of  flowers. 

The  number  served  at  the  several  suppers  and  socials  was  1382, 
in  addition  to  special  work  in  the  Boys'  Department  not  included 
in  these  figures.  A  large  rug  was  contributed  for  the  use  of  the 
library,  etc. 

Amount  of  cash  received  during  the  year $160.19 

Expenses  120.52 

Balance  on  hand $39.67 

Mrs.  Frank  Farrell, 

President. 

Mrs.  a.  M.  Meade. 

Secretary. 

249 


Out  of  the  meeting  composed  of  five  railroad  men  held  in  Christ 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  West  Philadelphia,  on  November  11, 
1886,  and  convened  for  the  purpose  of  considering  the  formation  of 
a  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young  Men 's  Christian 
Association,  has  grown  this  great  Department,  which  in  1909  with 
its  2338  members  was  engaged  actively  in  the  directions  indicated 
by  the  preceding  reports.  Of  the  2338  members  100  are  employes 
of  the  Adams  Express  Company  located  in  Philadelphia.  That 
Company  moved  along  the  same  general  lines  as  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  Company  in  upholding  and  encouraging  the  movement. 
Its  officers  and  men  have  taken  an  active  part  in  all  the  activities 
of  the  Department,  and  have  served  with  earnestness  and  zeal  on  its 
Committee  of  Management  and  on  the  various  Committees  conduct- 
ing its  operations.  Some  of  the  figures  culled  from  the  reports  for 
1909  compared  with  similar  ones  from  earlier  reports  show  in  the  fol- 
owing  comparative  table  the  progress  the  Department  has  made : 

Comparative  Table. 


Year 


1891 


1894 


1899 


1909 


Number  of  members. 

Total  attendance 

Receipts 

Expenditures 

Books  in  library 

Library  circulation.... 


171 
21,302 


600 
1,034 


1,587 

60,889 

$14,984.32 

$14,752.58 

1,844 

4,800 


1,735 

154,867 

$34,030.82 

$33,594.77 

7,485 

10,007 


2,338 

344,439 

$41,839.78 

$40,286.03 

9,593 

21,319 


The  reason  for  the  Department's  existence  and  perpetuation 
is  that  it  is  engaged  in  the  business  of  training  for  physical  endu- 
rance and  efficiency,  educating  for  business  advancement,  making 
individual  members  of  society  clean,  conscientious  and  Christian, 
arresting  moral  decay  and  staying  the  waste  of  dissipation.  The 
foregoing  pages  bear  testimony  to  the  value  of  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  methods  to  the  lives  and  training  of  railroad  men  as 
an  industrial  group.  They  show  the  progress  that  has  been  made 
in  the  physical,  intellectual  and  moral  characteristics  of  those 
composing  the  group,  and  the  encouragement  and  financial  aid 
given  to  the  movement  by  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company, 
its  Presidents,  Board  of  Directors,  general  officers  and  heads  of 
departments.  The  effect  of  the  efforts  as  outlined  have  produced 
a  superior  force  of  men  engaged  in  the  business  of  transportation, 


250 


whose  influence  on  the  betterment  of  society  has  spread  far  and 
wide,  effecting  an  uplift  to  the  community,  the  service,  the  home 
and  the  church.  The  good  done  by  the  Department  is  fully  recog- 
nized, not  only  by  its  members  and  the  railroad  management,  but 
by  the  public.  The  men  reahze  that  they  have  attained  a  higher 
standard  of  manhood;  the  railroad  company  that  it  is  receiving 
more  conscientious  and  efficient  service;  and  the  community  that 
its  moral  tone  has  been  added  to  and  its  general  prosperity  advanced. 
The  work  is  no  longer  an  experiment,  it  is  a  success.  It  is  very 
broad  in  its  scope  and  reaches  all  classes  of  railroad  men,  from  those 
in  the  highest  positions  to  those  occupying  the  most  humble  places. 
Entirely  non-sectarian,  it  reaches  all,  regardless  of  religious  belief. 
Its  most  notable  feature  is  the  mutual  way  in  which  capital  and 
labor,  employer  and  employe,  co-operate  in  their  efforts  to  produce 
closer  relations,  and  by  common  sympathy  to  promote  the  welfare 
of  each  other  and  be  better  able  to  protect  the  properties  with 
which  they  are  entrusted.  In  fact,  it  provides  the  ground  upon 
which  capital  and  labor  meet  in  unity  of  purpose  and  their  repre- 
sentatives fraternize  in  equality.  By  reason  of  this,  the  men  are 
better  men  and  the  lives  and  property  of  the  patrons  of  the  Company 
safer,  and  the  managing  officials  of  the  road  have  become  broader 
and  more  sympathetic  in  their  relations  with  the  men,  while  the 
investors  in  the  railroad  property  have  been  made  more  secure  in 
their  investments. 

The  Department  has  created  a  class  of  railroad  men  of  con- 
structive aspirations,  whose  progressiveness  is  shown  in  their  works. 
Its  combination  of  mental  and  physical  activities  with  spiritual 
experiences  has  made  men,  who  daily  encounter  the  storm  and  stress 
of  Hfe,  nobler  in  their  lives  and  has  furnished  to  one  another  of  them 
inspiration  to  higher  ideals  and  more  helpful  conduct. 

In  the  progress  of  the  Department  with  all  the  consequent 
benefits  accruing  to  the  employes  of  the  railroad  and  the  indirect 
benefits  accruing  to  society,  the  fact  must  not  be  overlooked  that 
the  managers  of  the  railroad,  as  special  instruments  of  Providence, 
were  important,  if  not  indispensable,  factors.  With  their  means, 
their  sympathies,  their  words  of  encouragement  and  their  firm 
belief  that  the  movement  was  truly  altruistic,  they  never  faltered 
in  aiding  its  advancement.  These  pages  further  unfold  that  the 
corporation  was  the  greatest  human  factor  in  furthering  and  sus- 
taining the  movement.  The  fact  cannot  be  successfully  denied  that 
without  that  aid  and  encouragement,  the  result  of  a  broad,  generous 

251 


policy,  the  great  progress  that  has  been  made  could  not  have  been. 
Ever  since  Christ,  in  the  matter  of  the  tribute  money,  demonstrated 
that  patriotism  and  rehgion  were  not  antagonistic  sentiments,  the 
two  have  moved  along,  in  the  progress  of  the  world,  hand  in  hand. 
This  is  nowhere  more  strongly  marked  than  in  the  relations  held 
by  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  to  this  Department.  One 
prominent  feature  in  the  life  of  the  great  corporation,  rarely  dwelt 
upon,  is  its  high  standard  of  patriotism.  In  war  or  peace,  in  charity 
and  philanthrophy,  it  has  stood  in  the  forefront;  when  the  life  of 
the  nation  was  imperilled,  it  was  its  executive  board  and  officers 
and  employes  that  gave  without  hesitation  the  strongest  of  support 
to  the  Government.  This  was  given  unstintingly.  On  many  occa- 
sions during  the  Civil  War,  the  prompt  and  active  aid  it  gave  the 
Government  at  crucial  moments  saved  disaster.  There  never  was  a 
dark  day  in  the  history  of  that  bloody  period  when  that  unmatched 
leader,  Thomas  A.  Scott,  then  Vice-President  of  the  Company, 
was  not  called  upon  to  aid  the  executive  and  military  officers  of 
the  Government  by  his  advice,  counsel  and  active  assistance.  When 
money  was  needed,  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  Company  did  not  hesitate  in  advancing  it.  When  the 
Sanitary  and  Christian  Commissions  needed  financial  aid,  a  liberal 
appropriation  was  made  from  its  coffers.  When  the  question  of 
providing  for  the  orphan  children  of  Union  soldiers  became  an 
absorbing  one  in  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  it  made  an 
appropriation  towards  the  funds  necessary  to  establish  the  Soldiers' 
Orphans  Schools.  So  throughout  the  whole  history  of  the  corpora- 
tion evidence  can  be  found  of  the  fact  that  this  patriotism  ran  along 
both  governmental  and  religious  lines.  It  is,  therefore,  no  subject 
for  wonder  when  the  deep  and  substantial  interest  taken  by  the 
corporation  in  the  departments  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation located  along  its  lines  is  noted.  Along  the  various  railroad 
lines  in  the  United  States  such  departments  are  to  be  found  well 
distributed,  so  that  the  greatest  number  of  railroad  men  can  be  bene- 
fited by  them.  Within  the  territory  covered  by  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  System  Departments  are  established  at  Fifty-fifth  and 
Fifty-ninth  Streets,  Chicago,  111. ;  Fort  Wayne  and  Logansport,  Ind. ; 
Baltimore,  Md.;  St.  Louis,  Mo.;  Camden,  Jersey  City,  Trenton  and 
South  Amboy,  N.  J.;  Elmira  and  Long  Island  City,  N.  Y.,  with 
provision  for  estabhshing  one  in  the  New  York  City  Terminal; 
Columbus,  Ohio;  Altoona,  Bellwood,  Columbia,  Conemaugh,  Conway, 
Derry  Station,  Knola,  Harrisburg,  Juniata,  Philadelphia,  Pittsburgh, 

252 


Pitcairn,  Allegheny  City,  Pottsville,  Renovo,  Sunbury,  Tyrone  and 
Youngwood,  Pa.,  and  Washington,  D.  C.  Although  the  one  at  Phila- 
delphia is  the  largest  and  most  advanced  in  its  activities,  yet  all 
are  being  conducted  with  the  same  earnestness  and  zeal,  all  receive 
the  same  encouragement  from  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company 
and  all  are  reaping  relatively  the  same  harvest. 

There  are  good  and  cogent  reasons  why  that  large  class  of 
people  who  pursue  their  daily  occupation  upon  the  great  transpor- 
tation lines  should  be  specially  susceptible  to  the  influence  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  and,  in  obedience  to  that  Spirit,  bear  testimony  to  the 
saving  power  of  Jesus  Christ.  They  are  men  whose  occupation 
draws  them  close  together  in  their  daily  lives  and  permits  them  to 
move  in  sustaining  bodies  upon  the  battlements  of  sin.  As  a  class, 
the  men  engaged  upon  railroads  are  largely  professing  Christians, 
attentive  to  their  church  duties,  and  thankful  and  glad  to  be  able 
to  use  the  organization  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
in  their  efforts  to  assist  the  weak  and  weary  to  tread  the  road  which 
leads  to  happiness,  peace  and  love.  The  reasons  why  railroad  men 
are  particularly  susceptible  to  spiritual  influences  are  readily  dis- 
cernible. The  few  bands  of  God-fearing  men  who,  a  century  or 
two  ago,  braving  the  dangers  of  the  ocean,  the  terrors  of  the  wilder- 
ness, and  landing  upon  the  western  continent  planted  Christianity 
there,  bore  wonderful  seed,  as  is  evidenced  by  the  crop  of  mighty  com- 
munities, extending  from  ocean  to  ocean,  working  for  man's  peace 
of  soul  and  the  glory  of  God.  The  result  of  Christian  endeavor  and 
sacrifice  which  emanated  from  that  beginning  has  been  the  creation 
of  a  field  of  Christianity  co-existent  with  the  lines  of  railroad  which 
traverse  the  continent  from  east  to  west  and  from  north  to  south. 
As  that  field  is  scanned,  and  a  view  taken  of  its  wonderful  culti- 
vation, the  fact  impresses  itself  that  the  Almighty  God  put  it  into 
the  minds  of  men  to  build  the  railroad  and  then  use  it  for  the  spread 
of  the  Gospel  of  Christ.  The  missionary  went  along  with  railroad 
construction.  Every  resting  place  of  the  road,  every  station  estab- 
lished, was  seized  upon  and  claimed  as  a  mission  field  by  some  one 
or  more  of  the  divisions  of  the  Church,  the  Cross  of  Christ  erected 
its  head,  and  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  acknowl- 
edged. Therefore,  it  is  not  any  wonder  that  men  who  daily,  hourly, 
come  in  personal  contact  with  that  ever-spreading  stream  of  light 
should  be  more  or  less  favorably  affected  by  it.  It  is  a  source  of 
great  satisfaction,  to  all  those  interested  in  the  world's  progress 
that  men  with  such  environments  and  under  such  influences,  are 

253 


pushing  to  the  front  as  successful  recruiting  sergeants  for  the  armies 
of  the  Lord.  Until  of  recent  years  the  Christian  public  did  not 
look  to  railroad  companies  and  their  employes  as  special  sources 
for  recruiting  in  that  direction,  and  it  was  not  until  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  was  accepted  as  the  medium  for  organi- 
zation and  advancement  did  it  become  generally  known  that  such 
a  potent  power  existed.  The  name  and  supervision  of  that  Asso- 
ciation soon  produced  a  wide-spread  co-operation,  so  that  today 
the  greatest  missionary  movement  is  along  railroad  lines,  conducted, 
fostered  and  sustained  by  railroad  men  and  companies.  This  move- 
ment is  not  confined  to  aiding  railroad  employes  in  leading  better 
lives,  but  its  benefits  are  distributed  far  and  wide  in  the  communities 
wherein  the  Departments  are  located.  The  members  of  the  Railroad 
Department  know  that  it  is  not  a  church,  neither  a  club,  but  they 
look  upon  it  as  a  home  where  there  is  an  abundance  of  welcome, 
and  where  the  body,  soul  and  spirit  may  be  refreshed ;  where  cleanli- 
ness may  be  maintained,  where  friendly  greetings  may  be  exchanged, 
encouragement  met  with,  and  the  religious  element  predominates. 
Comfort,  entertainment,  education,  music,  athletic  sports — all  are 
elements  deemed  worthy  of  attention  in  producing  results,  but 
their  pursuit  is  ever  kept  subordinate  to  the  spiritual  demands. 
Their  colors — red,  white,  green — mean  something  to  them.  In 
railroad  parlance,  red  signifies  danger;  white,  safety;  and  green, 
caution;  but  to  their  spiritual  understanding  red  is  the  symbol  of 
love,  white  of  purity,  and  green  of  immortality.  With  those  colors 
emblazoned  on  their  banners  and  their  meanings  engraven  upon 
their  hearts  they  move  forward  to  success. 

The  management  of  the  Philadelphia  Department,  knowing 
that  idleness  gives  the  greatest  temptation  and  encouragement 
towards  leading  an  unholy  life,  and  recognizing  that  it  is  necessary 
to  be  a  worker  to  more  fully  grasp  God's  plan  for  man,  considered 
that  it  was  not  best  to  wait  until  a  man  made  an  open  profession 
of  Christianity,  but  provided  work  for  him  in  advance  which  involved 
thought  for  others  and  some  sacrifice  of  self  and  set  him  at  its  accom- 
plishment. The  varied  phases  of  the  work  were  divided  among  many 
committees,  each  with  a  large  membership  and  each  committee- 
man furnished  something  to  do.  The  result  of  this  plan  has  been 
astonishing.  The  Sunday  afternoon  services  alone  attracted  large 
bodies  of  railroad  men,  and,  although  the  auditorium  in  which  they 
were  held  was  capable  of  seating  over  1200  people,  there  were  times 
when  men  had  to  be  turned  away  for  want  of  room  to  accommodate 

254 


them.  Churches  located  within  a  mile  of  the  main  building  were 
quickened  into  a  new  life,  and  the  moral  tone  of  the  community 
was  raised  in  all  directions.  The  home,  the  shop,  the  factory,  the 
school  felt  the  impulse,  and  the  clergy  of  both  the  Protestant  and 
Catholic  churches  bore  testimony  to  its  influence. 

Twenty  per  cent,  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  employes  in 
the  city  of  Philadelphia  are  enrolled  as  active  members  of  the 
Department;  the  significance  of  that  fact  is  made  forcible  when 
another  fact  is  considered,  that  out  of  the  many  thousands  engaged 
in  other  lines  of  business  and  in  the  learned  professions  in  the  city, 
only  five  per  cent,  are  organized  in  religious  work.  The  railroad 
men  who  have  been  or  are  connected  with  and  actively  engaged 
in  the  work  of  the  Department  have  all  become  better  men  at  their 
work,  better  men  in  their  churches,  better  men  in  their  homes  and 
better  members  of  the  community.  Drunkenness  is  an  unknown 
vice  with  them.  Pay-day  comes  and  pay-day  goes  without  bringing 
in  its  wake  annoying  absenteeism;  grocers  and  landlords,  butchers 
and  bakers  do  not  have  to  lay  in  waiting  to  collect  their  due.  The 
dress  and  the  address  of  the  men  have  changed — they  have  grown 
broader,  more  manly,  and  their  labor  has  become  more  valuable  to 
their  employer.  In  noting  the  moral  and  spiritual  progress  of  these 
men,  it  seems  almost  wrong  to  speak  of  the  Department's  work 
as  paying  in  a  financial  way,  but  as  a  matter  of  fact  it  does.  The 
higher  moral  tone  the  men  have  reached  has  made  the  product  of 
their  labor  ten  per  cent,  greater  than  before,  caused  their  steadier 
employment  and  produced  consequent  greater  returns  in  the  aggre- 
gate of  their  pay.  With  lessened  wants  and  steadier  pay,  the  love 
of  Christ  in  their  hearts,  the  fireside  brightened  with  love's  warmest 
glow,  they  possess  today  a  large  meed  of  happiness  and  content 
and  serve  their  employer  with  unswerving  fidelity. 

Seventy  years  ago  the  railroad  man  was  a  rough  pioneer,  subju- 
gating the  mountain  fastnesses,  the  precipice,  the  stream,  by  the 
force  of  his  native  adaptability;  today,  by  reason  of  the  educa- 
tional methods  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  he  has 
advanced  in  knowledge,  refinement  and  gentleness;  is  well  up  in 
the  sciences  and  arts;  braced  to  encounter  the  rough,  as  he  is  fitted 
to  meet  the  polite,  elements  of  life,  in  all  essentials  an  honor  to  his 
profession,  which  stands  abreast  of  the  older  ones,  and  his  foot- 
steps are  either  moving  with,  or  being  directed  toward,  the  Church 
of  Christ. 

William  Bender  Wilson. 

255 


COL.  WILLIAM   BENDER  WILSON. 


AN  APPRECIATION. 


Col.  William  Bender  Wilson  has  been  a  member  of  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad  Department  of  the  Association  since  1887,  and 
during  that  period  has  served  in  a  number  of  important  official 
positions.  He  has  given  liberally  of  his  time  and  his  talents,  and 
loyally  and  faithfully  of  his  aid  and  encouragement.  His  work  in 
all  his  relations  with  the  Association  has  been  marked  by  con- 
scientious devotion  to  the  cause  and  a  zealous  endeavor  in  its  up- 
building. His  advice  and  aid  have  been  of  incalculable  benefit  to  his 
associates,  and  the  product  of  his  brilliant  intellect  as  expressed  in 
his  literary  work  has  contributed  notably  to  the  development  of 
interest  in  the  cause,  and  to  the  strengthening  of  its  foundations  in 
the  esteem  of  all  who  have  a  regard  for  the  welfare  of  our  Associa- 
tion and  the  expansion  of  its  moral  influence. 

As  Treasurer  of  the  Association,  member  of  the  Board  of  Manage- 
ment, first  Vice-Chairman,  and  Editor  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Mens'  News,  he  applied  himself  with  single-hearted  energy  to  pro- 
moting the  best  interests  of  the  organization  and  enlarging  its  field 
of  usefulness. 

As  the  time  arrived  when  it  seemed  desirable  to  preserve  in 
permanent  form  the  history  of  the  Association,  Colonel  Wilson  was 
chosen  to  perform  this  duty,  not  only  on  account  of  his  intimate 
knowledge  of  the  aim  and  scope  of  the  organization,  but  as  well  on 
account  of  his  earnestness  in  its  behalf,  and  his  proven  ability  as 
a  writer  and  historian. 

The  historical  work  has  been  completed  in  Colonel  Wilson's 
thorough  and  comprehensive  manner.  The  officers  and  members  of 
the  Association  desire  to  express  to  the  Compiler  of  the  history  a  deep 
sense  of  gratitude  for  his  self-sacrificing  labors  in  the  preparation 
of  the  work,  and  to  include  in  the  volume,  as  a  slight  recognition  of 
his  invaluable  services,  a  portrait  and  a  short  sketch  of  the  historian. 

Colonel  Wilson's  career  resembles  a  ladder,  each  rung  of  which 
was  scaled  by  the  mastery  of  the  one  below. 

He  was  the  son  of  Thomas  Ivow  and  Julianna  Margaretta 
Bender  Wilson,  and  was  born  in  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  April  5,  1839. 

257 


From  the  public  schools  he  went  to  the  Atlantic  &  Ohio  Tele- 
graph Company  in  1852,  and  three  years  later  entered  the  service 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  as  an  operator.  When  the  war  came 
on,  Col.  Thos.  A.  Scott,  Vice-President  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad, 
was  made  Assistant  Secretary  of  War  and  placed  in  charge  of  the 
transportation  of  troops  and  supplies.  Young  Wilson  had  attracted 
his  attention,  and  he  attached  him  to  his  special  service,  first  to  open 
the  first  military  telegraph  ofiice  in  Governor  Curtin's  office  in 
Harrisburg,  and  later  as  manager  of  the  Government's  military 
telegraph  office  in  Washington.  In  this  post  he  came  in  daily  touch 
with  President  Lincoln  and  the  great  generals.  In  the  trying  days 
of  '62,  '63  and  '64  he  filled  the  unique  position  of  military  telegrapher 
and  scout  for  Colonel  Scott,  and  the  responsibilities  of  such  an 
exacting  post  of  duty  undoubtedly  had  a  marked  effect  upon  the 
formation  of  his  staunch  and  sturdy  character.  The  number  of 
dangerous  confidential  missions  in  pursuit  of  information  entrusted 
to  him,  and  the  fulfilment  of  them  in  every  detail,  would  make 
interesting  reading  in  these  piping  days  of  peace,  if  there  were  space 
to  recount  them.  Suffice  it  to  say  that  although  the  young  teleg- 
rapher was  a  pioneer  in  the  field  of  military  telegraphy,  his  splendid 
work  evoked  the  commendation,  not  only  of  his  superiors,  but  of  the 
great  President  himself.  In  later  years  of  his  life  his  valuable  services 
in  time  of  war  received  grateful  recognition  at  the  hands  of  Congress, 
when  under  the  Act  of  1897  he  received  from  the  Secretary  of  War 
a  certificate  of  honorable  service  in  the  Civil  War.  The  State  of 
Pennsylvania  also  placed  upon  his  record  the  stamp  of  its  apprecia- 
tion of  his  bravery  and  patriotism,  when  in  1903  by  Act  of  Assembly 
he  was  commissioned  Colonel  of  Volunteers,  during  the  years  1862, 
1863  and  1864,  and  further  emphasized  the  debt  which  the  Common- 
wealth owed  him  by  decorating  the  veteran  with  a  commemorative 
gold  medal.  These  marks  of  distinction  from  the  Nation  and  his 
native  State  coming  many  years  after  the  valiant  services  were 
rendered  are  none  the  less  honorable  by  the  lapse  of  time,  but  are 
even  more  ennobling  since  the  merit  of  them  is  firmly  established  in 
the  truth  of  history. 

Shortly  after  the  close  of  the  war,  in  September,  1866,  Colonel 
Wilson  returned  to  duty  in  his  profession  and  was  made  Superin- 
tendent of  Telegraph  of  the  Northern  Central  Railway.  His  execu- 
tive ability  soon  marked  him,  however,  for  duties  in  which  his  tact 
and  skill  in  organization  could  be  utilized  to  better  advantage. 
He  was   transferred   to  the  Freight  Department  and  filled  many 

258 


responsible  and  important  positions  in  this  service,  including  the 
Superin tendency  of  the  Mantua  Transfer  and  the  Special  Agency 
of  the  Philadelphia  Terminal  Division,  until  May  1,  1909,  when 
he  was  retired  on  pension  under  the  age  limitation. 

The  religious  and  moral  trend  of  Colonel  Wilson's  character 
manifested  itself  early  in  life,  and  kept  even  step  with  his  activity 
in  performing  the  duties  which  a  busy  life  imposed  upon  him.  He 
joined  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  at  Harrisburg  in  1858;  in  1866  became  a 
communicant  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and  has  been 
a  vestryman  of  Emanuel  Church,  Holmesburg,  since  1889.  During 
this  period  he  has  also  served  as  a  lay  delegate  to  the  Diocesan  Con- 
vention of  Pennsylvania. 

It  is  quite  natural  that  a  many-sided  man  like  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  should  release  his  thoughts,  his  observations,  his  remi- 
niscences, and  his  experiences  in  war  and  peace  at  the  end  of  his 
pen.  And  this  Colonel  Wilson  has  done  with  notable  interest  to  his 
fellow-men.  He  has  been  a  productive  contributor  to  the  press,  and 
his  biographical  and  other  sketches  in  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Men's  News  have  helped  to  preserve  the  personal  history  of  the 
Peimsylvania  Railroad  officials.  His  "  History  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad,"  in  two  volumes,  is  a  valuable  contribution  to  the  records 
of  that  great  organization,  and  his  sketches  of  the  General  Super- 
intendents are  interesting  memorials  of  a  body  of  men  whose  life- 
work  has  left  its  impress  on  the  development  of  the  great  System. 
In  "Acts  and  Actors  of  the  Civil  War"  he  has  given  to  the  public 
bright  sidelights  on  the  inside  conduct  of  military  operations,  which 
will  in  time  become  engrafted  on  the  true  history  of  the  great  struggle. 

"The  History  of  the  P.  R.  R.  Y.  M.  C.  A.,"  which  is  contained 
between  the  covers  of  this  book,  is  a  labor  of  love  and  a  sign  of  his 
devotion  to  the  cause,  and  it  serves  to  illustrate  the  thorough,  com- 
prehensive and  able  manner  in  which  he  appUes  himself  to  and 
executes  his  work. 

It  would  seem  that  with  all  the  varied  activities  of  his  busy 
life  Colonel  Wilson  would  find  little  opportunity  to  engage  in  labor 
in  other  fields,  yet  in  order  to  fill  to  the  full  the  measure  of  good 
citizenship  he  yielded  a  portion  of  his  time  to  political  and  educa- 
tional matters,  serving  five  years  in  the  Municipal  Councils  of  Har- 
risburg, and  three  years  as  a  member  of  the  School  Board  of  his 
ward  in  Philadelphia. 

Although  retired  now  from  active  labor,  in  the  ripeness  of  a 
well-spent  and  useful  life  "age  does  not  wither  nor  custom  stale 

259 


his  infinite  variety,"  but  he  is  devoting  his  leisure  to  altruistic 
tasks,  such  as  the  compilation  of  this  history,  which  make  the  world 
his  debtor. 

As  the  lengthening  shadows  fall  across  the  path  of  life  which 
he  has  trodden  with  such  consistent  and  unselfish  regard  to  the 
uplifting  of  his  fellow-man,  the  officers  and  members  of  this  Asso- 
ciation invoke  upon  him  the  blessing  of  that  "peace  which  passe th 
all  understanding." 


260 


APPENDIX. 


DEPARTMENT  ROSTER. 


First  Organization. 

President. 
William  W.  Wimer 1877 

Present  Organization. 

Chairman. 

J.  A.  KeesbERRY March  14,  1887,  to  November  14,  1889 

Charles  G.  Cadwallader... November  14,  1889,  to  January  22,  1891 

George  H.  Grone January  22,  1891,  to  February  11,  1892 

Charles  G.  Cadwallader.. February  11,  1892,  to  March  16,  1893 

William  J.  Latta March  16,  1893,  to  September  1,  1899 

William  A.  Patton September  1,  1899;  still  serving,  1910 

First  Organization. 

Vice-President. 
W.  C.  De  Armond.. - 1877 

Present  Organization, 

Vice-  Chair  tnan. 

Charles  G.  Cadwallader.. March  14,  1887,  to  November  14,  1889 

George  H.  Grone November  14,  1889,  to  January  2,  1891 

Daniel  W.  Freas January  2,  1891,  to  January  1,  1892 

James  S.  StackhousE January  1,  1892,  to  March  16,  1893 

261 


First  Vice-Chairman, 

William  B.  Wilson. March  16,  1893,  to  January  5,  1904 

Charles  G.  Cadwallader.  January  5,  1904,  to  April  6,  1909 
Jefferson  Justice April  16,  1909;  still  serving,  1910 


Second  V ice-Chairman. 

Charles  G.  Cadwallader.. March  16,  1893,  to  January  5,  1904 

Jefferson  Justice January  5,  1904,  to  April  16,  1909 

George  H.  Grone April  16,  1909;  still  serving,  1910 

Third  V ice-Chairman. 

J.  Q.  A.  Herring March  16,  1893,  to  June  18,  1896 

Robert  S.  Beatty June  18,  1896,  to  January  18,  1901 

Roger  HendlEY. January  18,  1901,  to  January  27,  1909 

H.  E.  Huff April  16,  1909;  still  serving,  1910 

Fourth  V ice-Chairman. 

George  H.  GronE- March  16,  1893,  to  January  17,  1895 

Robert  S.  Beatty .January  17,  1895,  to  June  18,  1896 

Roger  HendlEy. June  18,  1896,  to  January  18,  1901 

Jefferson  Justice January  18,  1901,  to  January  5,  1904 

First  Organization. 

Recording  Secretary. 
Joseph  W.  Pullen. 1877 

Present  Organization, 

Recording  Secretary. 

John  Hait.. March  14,  1887,  to  March  1,  1888 

William  H.  George March  1,  1888,  to  April  12,  1894 

Naylor  C.  Davis April  12,  1894,  to  January  17,  1899 

A  A.  Brown January  17,  1899,  to  January  14,  1907 

William  H.  Zehender January  14,  1907;  still  serving,  1910 

262 


First  Organization, 

Treasurer. 
J.  R.  G.  Marshall 1877 

Present  Organization. 

Treasurer. 

James  M.  Hodge March  14,  1887,  to  March  1,  1891 

J.  A.  KeesbERRY. March  1,  1891,  to  March  1,  1892 

William  B.  Wilson. March  l,  1892,  to  March  16,  1893 

John  B.  Stauffer March  16,  1893,  to  November  10,  1899 

H.  P.  Conner November  10,  1899;  still  serving,  1910 

First  Organization. 

General  Secretary. 
Yates  Hickey. 1877 

Present  Organization. 

General  Secretary. 

Charles  E.  Cole March  28,  1887,  to  August  13,  1887 

A.  B.  Taylor. September  27, 1887,  to  November  15,1889 

J.  A.  KeesbERRY. November  15,1889,  to  December  31,1889 

William  N.  MulteR- March  15,  1890,  to  March  31,  1896 

Samuel  G.  McCoNAUGHY._...October  1,  1896,  to  November  30,  1897 

Charles  R.  Towson _ February  1,  1898,  to  December  31,  1906 

George  C.  BartlETT,  Jr.... October  1,  1907;  still  serving,  1910 


263 


PENNSYLVANIA    RAILROAD     DEPARTMENT,    YOUNG 
MEN'S     CHRISTIAN     ASSOCIATION 
OF     PHILADELPHIA. 


ORGANIZATION,  1910 


James  McCrea, 
Wm.  A.  Patton, 


Advisory  Committee. 

N.  Parker  Shortridge,  Chairman. 

M.  Riebenack,  W.  H.  Barnes, 

Chas.  E.  Pugh,  Thomas  De  Witt  Cuyler. 


Committee  of  Management. 

Wm.  A.  Patton,  General  Chairman. 
Jefiferson  Justice,  First  Vice-Chairman. 
Geo.  H.  Grone,  Second  V ice-Chairman. 
H.  E.  Huflf,  Third  V ice-Chairman. 
H.  P.  Conner,  Treasurer. 
W.  H.  Zehender,  Recording  Secretary. 


Wm.  T.  Adams, 
W.  W.  Atterbury, 
R.  F.  Buffington, 
O.  J.  De  Rousse, 
John  M.  Doran, 
T.  B.  Essick, 
Frank  Farrell, 
D.  W.  Freas, 
J.  C.  Mengel, 
W.  Heyward  Myers, 
W.  H.  George, 


Wm.  Hammersley, 
H.  M.  Hinkle, 
G.  H.  Hungerford, 
J.  A.  Keesberry, 
Chas.  C.  Kinney, 
A.  T.  Longhead, 
R.  J.  McClain, 

A.  McMinn, 

B.  F.  Miller, 

J.  A.  Murphey, 
H.  L.  Palmer, 


J.  N.  Purviance, 
Jos.  T.  Richards, 
J.  G.  Rodgers, 
John  K.  Rynier, 
C.  M.  Sheafifer, 
John  Weigle, 
Wm.  B.  Wilson, 
S.  H.  Wallace, 
A.  A.  Brown. 


Executive  Officers. 

Geo.  C.  Bartlett,  Jr.,  General  Secretary. 

Rubens  Humphrey,  Director  of  Activities. 

J.  Frank  Keeler,  Secretary  Main  Building. 

J.  W.  Sims,  Secretary  Broad  Street  Station  Annex. 

John  T.  Coleman,  Physical  Director. 

A.  E.  Parker,  Librarian. 

T.  Curtis  Essick,  Boys'  Work  Director. 

264 


Auditing  Committee. 

Jefferson  Justice,  Chairman. 
E.  A.  Stockton. 

Athletic  Committee. 

J.  N.  Purviance,  Chairman. 
W.  L.  Heck,  Secretary. 

Bowling  Committee. 

I.  C.  Sithens,  Chairman. 
Clarence  E.  Branson,    Albert  W.  Myers,  Louis  Sheneman, 

A.  Wm.  Scull,  C.  Nelson  Smitheman,  Samuel  Han  way. 

Chas.  A.  Mann,  Jr., 

Football  Committee. 

H.  E.  Schoenhut,  Jr.,  Chairman. 
R.  E.  Baker,  Walter  C.  George,  Eugene  B.  Hanckel. 

Chas.  Blamphin, 

Baseball  Committee. 

Chas.  E.  Clay,  Chairman. 
Jos.  T.  Berry,  A.  M.  Gilbert,  Reuben  Pheneger, 

Alfred  Wilkms,  H.  E.  Schoenhut,  Jr.,   J.  A.  McCullough, 

O.  B.  George,  J.  M.  Piatt,  Walter  G.  Compton. 

Gymnasium  Committee — Main  Building. 

O.  E.  Huber,  Chairman. 
C.  E.  Myers,  Joseph  C.  Brown,  A.  M.  Barron, 

Reuben  Oves,  John  Mais,  C.  E.  Robinson. 

W.  J.  Lyshon, 

Gymnasium  Committee — Annex. 

W.  S.  Logan,  Chairman. 
Chas.  E.  Clay,  E.  F.  Packer,  Gilbert  H.  Heim, 

E.  C.  Deibler,  Geo.  R.  Shaw,  Arthur  P.  Matthews,  Jr. 

John  F.  Miller, 

House  and  Grounds  Committee. 

C.  D.  Porter,  Chairman. 
Chas.  C.  Kmney,  W.  R.  Flounders,  Sr.,    F.  W.  Smith,  Jr. 

W.  F.  Greene,  E.  C.  Lacy, 

265 


Pool  Committee — Main  Building. 
Chas.  A.  Baker,  Chairman. 
Herbet  S.  Litzenberg,  Albert  C.  Royer,  Jacob  Wetzel, 

Percy  C.  Lewis,  Harry  P.  Pearl,  J.  F.  Chalfant. 


George  Dukes, 


Pool  Committee — Annex. 

J.  F.  Chalfant,    Chairman. 
Geo.  W.  Kruck, 


Lloyd  C.  Megee. 


Shuffleboard  Committee — Main  Building. 
W.  R.  Flounders,  Sr.,  Chairman. 
Geo.  W.  Phillips,  Morris  J.  Strock,  S.  D.  Mansfield,  Jr. 

Louis  M.  Silance, 


L.  M.  Stanford, 


I.  Leslie  Lawrence, 
Walter  H.  Huff, 


Shuffleboard  Committee — Annex. 

I.  W.  Worthington,  Chairman. 

B.  Lee  Moore,  John  Keown. 

Howard  Thompson, 

Tennis  Committee. 

C.  R.  Andrews,  Chairman. 

F.  B.  Bigham,  J.  C.  Tredick, 

Philip  Guckes,  A.  C.  Hollis. 

H.  B.  Hauck, 


Track  and  Field  Sports  Committee. 

J.  W.  Climenson,  Chairman. 
F.  T.  Harshaw,  H.  B.  McBlane,  Lester  Carlton, 

A.  M.  Barron,  Donald  Demmy,  Thos.  W.  Brink. 


Clarence  Roberts, 
A.  McMinn, 


J.  B.  Baker, 
R.  G.  Develin, 
J,  K.  Rynier, 
B.  A.  Weaver, 


Shooting  Gallery  Committee. 

Wm.  Colledge,  Chairman. 
Dr.  H.  S.  Mace,  H.  M.  Hinkle, 

Wm.  Weest,  Nathan  Spering. 

Joseph  C.  Brown, 

Building  Committee. 
Jos.  T.  Richards,  Chairman. 

A.  McMinn,  R.  C.  Owen, 

B.  P.  Bates,  J.  C.  Mengel, 

C.  C.  Anthony,  H.  C.  Booz. 
A.  H.  Rudd, 

266 


Bible  Study  Committee. 

Main  Club. 

E.  Y.  Jefferis,  Chairman. 
J.  E.  Strawbridge,         J.  W.  Brackin,  I.  C.  Sithens. 

W.  H.  George, 

R.  R.  S.  Club. 
A.  T.  Loughead,  Chairman. 


Jos.  T.  Richards, 
Jno.  Youkel, 
I.  E.  Nathans, 
G.  B.  Rudduck, 


Endowment  Committee. 

Geo.  V.  Massey,  Chairman. 

T.  S.  Bell,  Wm.  B.  Wilson, 

Stacy  B.  Lloyd,  A.  S.  Porter, 

W.  J.  Bingham,  J.  B.  Stouffer. 

R.  H.  Newbern, 


Entertainment  Committee. 

Chas.  C.  Kinney,  Chairman. 

Jos.  T.  Berry,  W.  R.  Flounders,  Sr.,  Edw.  Meade, 

W.  Burton  Richards,.  Geo.  Folcher,  Wm.  D.  Carson, 

V.  C.  Sandham,  Hiram  Grone,  Wm.  D.  Baker, 

H.  F.  Green,  Wm.  J.  Wilkinson,  Z.  L.  Berry, 

Elwood  Maloney,  W.  R.  Flounders,  Jr.,  H.  Russell  Gorman. 

Elmer  J.  Pearl, 


Educational  Committee. 


A.  A.  Brown, 
H.  S.  Ludlam, 
F.  E.  Atkms, 
H.  P.  Pearl, 
A.  J.  County, 
W.  W.  Wells, 


Montgomery  Smith,  Chairman. 

J.  S.  Donaldson,  B.  F.  Miller, 

A.  C.  Shand, 

Wm.  J.  Crout, 

M.  J.  Ramsey, 

J.  C.  Johnson, 

E.  F.  Gailey, 


Hugh  Logan, 
A.  J.  Gillingham, 
Stephen  W.  White, 
J.  H.  Anderson, 
W.  F.  McPhail. 


W.  Fred  Sims, 


Extension  Work  Committee. 

John  M.  Doran,  Chairman. 
H.  L.  Winkler,  John  Weigle. 

H.  F.  K.  Galloway, 

267 


S.  A.  Compton, 
A.  C.  Shand, 
F.  C.  HofiF, 
Lewis  Neilson, 
Geo.  D.  Ogden, 
J.  F.  Murray, 
R.  L.  Franklin, 
Geo.  H.  Ross, 


Finance;  Committee. 

J.  K.  Rynier,  Chairman. 
A.  J.  Gillingham,  Jefferson  Justice, 


H.  S.  P.  Nichols, 
H.  M.  Hinkle, 
W.  L.  Markley, 
Henry  R.  Leonard, 
F.  P.  Abercrombie, 
W.  W.  Wimer,  Jr. 


H.  L.  Palmer, 
W.  F.  Greene, 


Samuel  B.  Dickie, 
W.  T.  Brown, 
R.  C.  Wright, 
Wm.  Weest, 


Geo.  H.  Grone, 


Wm.  D.  Baker, 


G.  A.  Walker, 
O.  J.  De  Rousse, 
C.  H.  Sloan, 
Jas.  F.  Fahnestock, 
E.  B.  Temple, 
C.  P.  McCully, 
R.  M.  Pile, 

Grounds  Committee. 

F.  W.  Smith,  Jr.,  Chairman. 

Thos.  W.  Hulme,  E.  A.  Sterling. 

H.  E.  Tripler, 

House  Committee. 

Geo.  H.  Grone,  Chairman. 
John  K.  Rynier,  M.  A.  Golden, 

W.  B.  Kraft,  Alfred  McMinn, 

J.  B.  Baker,  O.  B.  George. 

G.  E.  Strattan, 

Junior  Department. 

Advisory  Committee. 

O.  J.  De  Rousse,  Chairman. 

Jos.  Richardson,  M.  J.  Ramsey. 

W.  J.  Crout, 

Social  Committee. 
Wm.  R.  Flounders,  Jr.,  Wm.  D.  Carson. 


I.  Leslie  Lawrence, 


Religious  Committee. 
Elmer  J.  Pearl,  T.  B.  Essick. 


Boating  and  Fishing  Committee. 
Harry  Sims,  Jos.  C.  Brown,  Clyde  G.  Baker. 

Athletic  Com.mittee. 
J.  Warren  Climenson,  Geo.  Purviance,  Jr.,      Jos.  T.  Berry. 

268 


Chas.  A.  Baker, 


I.  C.  Sithens, 


Club-House  Committee. 

C.  F.  Firestone,  Chas.  A.  Mann,  Sr. 

Lloyd  C.  Megee, 

Intermediate  Committee. 

Jno.  M.  Sturgis,  Wm.  B.  Wright. 

Library  Committee. 
Wm.  Hammersley,  Chairman. 


Stephen  W.  White, 
C.  H.  Sloan, 
C.  H.  Mathews,  Jr., 
J.  E.  Williams, 
Henry  W.  Bikle, 
J.  C.  Johnson, 
Walter  J.  Devine, 
Henry  H.  Lee, 


Geo.  M.  Johnson, 
J.  O.  Frazee, 
C.  M.  SheaflFer, 
H.  T.  Wilkms, 
H.  S.  P.  Nichols, 
A.  J.  Town,  Jr., 
Jno.  F.  Culin, 
J.  E.  Wright, 


J.  R.  Witcraft, 
G.  W.  McCormick, 
C.  M.  Thompson, 
Elwood  R.  Jones, 
A.  J.  County, 
J.  W.  Lee,  Jr., 
J.  H.  McDonald. 


Wm.  D.  Baker, 
Edw.  Meade, 
Jos.  C.  Brown, 


Literary  Committee. 
Chas.  E.  Robinson,  Chairman. 

Jos.  T.  Berry,  Wm.  D.  Carson, 

Elwood  Maloney,  Geo.  F.  Folcher, 

Harry  Sims,  Jas.  McKeon. 


C.  Nelson  Smitheman,  Earl  C.  Emery, 


H.  M.  Hinkle, 
J.  E.  Williams, 
W.  S.  Curlett, 
Harry  Sims, 


Music  Committee. 
R.  J.  McClain,  Chairman. 
Albert  Jordon,  W.  A.  Murdock, 

Thomas  Griffinberg,      W.  L.  Nassau, 
Edwin  F.  Mowery,        Charles  W.  Laramy. 
E.  E.  Rue, 


Mechanical  Instruction  Committee. 


H.  M.  Hinkle,  Chairman. 


F.  A.  Blakesley, 
Walter  W.  Davis, 
Geo.  M.  Johnson, 
Geo.  H.  Miller, 
R.  B.  Pheneger, 
J.  K.  Rynier, 
Wm.  P.  Whitman, 


R.  F.  Buffington, 
F.  Farrell, 
Alfred  McMinn, 
W.  L.  Moore, 
T.  J.  Quintin, 
Russell  M.  Smith, 
Clarence  Roberts, 
C.  A.  Stern, 

269 


Wm.  Colledge, 
S.  E.  Godshall, 
S.  T.  Manahan, 
A.  G.  Peitsch, 
F.  T.  Roberts, 
L.  R.  Zollinger, 
C.  D.  Porter. 


R.  K.  George, 
F.  H,  Myers, 


Membership  Committee — Eastern  District. 

J.  A.  Keesberry,  Chairman. 

Advisory  Committee. 
Geo.  H.  Hungerford,    Jno.  M.  Doran, 
B.  H.  Loveless,  C.  H.  Sloane. 

Harry  L.  Adkins, 


Sub-Chairman  at  Broad  Street  Station, 


B.  Lee  Moore, 
Harry  Sims, 
G.  W.  Smith, 
H.  J.  Magann, 
A.  M.  Gilbert, 
L.  S.  Swope, 
Wm.  S.  Morris, 
H.  H.  Baker, 
F.  P.  Hand, 
J.  H.  Wright, 
A.  P.  Matthews, 


S33  South  Fourth  Street, 
J.  P.  McAllister, 
R.  McMullan, 
R.  C.  Fish, 
L.  C.  Manifold, 
Jos.  Justice, 
H.  S.  Weir, 
R.  E.  Baker, 
A.  W.  Kyner, 
J.  Beattie  Allen, 
J.  L.  Brown, 
Jr.,     J.  Edgar  Strawbridge 


etc. 

C.  H.  Voelker, 
Wayae  B.  Hughes, 

E.  V.  Savin, 

C.  E.  Fisher, 
W.  B.  Rhoads, 
W.  N.  Buck, 

F.  T.  Harshaw, 
W.  G.  Greer, 
W.  S.  Curlett, 

D.  C.  Davis, 

,  A.  E.  Buchanan. 


26  South  Fifteenth  Street— N.  Y.,  P.  &  N.  R.  R. 

H.  C.  Carlile,  Sub-Chairman 
W.  D.  Baker. 


Station  Master's  Department. 
E.  C.  Green,  Sub-Chairman. 


J,  O.  Frazee, 


J.  H.  Snyder, 


Milton  V.  Vogan. 


Washington  Avenue  Wharf  Agency. 
Chas.  C.  Kinney,  Sub-Chairman. 
Jno.  C.  McSwegan,        Littleton  Boyer,  C.  D.  Stephens. 

Dock  Street  Agency. 
Chas.  C.  De  Buest,  Sub-Chairman. 
Lewis  G.  Bull,  Robert  V.  N.  Peabody,  George  Ward. 

John  McMulcahey,        Wm.  Hammersley, 

Broad  and  Washington  Avenue  Agency. 
S.  D.  Mansfield,  Jr.,  Sub-Chairman. 


J.  M.  Sylvis, 


Wm.  Millward, 
270 


E.  F.  Wiler. 


Adams  Express  Company  (Eighteenth  and  Market  Streets). 

R.  K.  George,  Sub-Chairman. 
Samuel  H.  Ferree,         H.  W.  Backus,  R.  J.  McClain. 

Adams  Express  Company  (Auditing  Department). 
M.  S.  Fager,  Sub-Chairman. 

Gray's  Ferry  Roundhouse. 
James  B.  Plumline  Sub-Chairman. 

Membership  Committee — ^Western  District. 
Advisory  Committee. 

H.  L.  Palmer,  Chairman. 
J.  C.  Mengel,  H.  M.  Hinckle,  F.  W.  Smith,  Jr., 

J.  M.  Jones,  R.  K.  Stackhouse,        Frank  Hannum. 

Thirtieth  and  Market  Streets  Agency. 

C.  H.  Nauman,  Sub-Chairman. 
Henry  Deringer,  James  McKenzie,  J.  A.  Ritter. 

W.  H.  Smitheman, 

Fifty-second  Street  Car  Inspector's  Department. 

John  "VVeigle,  Sub-Chairman. 
J.  M.  Clifton,  Winfield  S.  Bond. 

Seventeenth  Street  Tower. 
h.  M.  Hatton,  Sub-Chairman. 
Geo.  F.  Mullen,  Iv.  G.  Snyder. 

West  Philadelphia  Station  Baggage  Department. 

Wm.  Weest,  Sub-Chairman. 
B.  H.  Loveless,  F.  E.  Morgan,  H.  B.  Rambo. 

J.  N.  Aitken, 

West  Philadelphia  Shops. 
W.  H.  Kilpa trick,  Sub-Chairman. 
E.  W.  Groscoors,  H.  B.  Rambo,  Peter  F.  Rule. 

Thos.  B.  Angeroth,       E.  E.  North, 

Park  Shops. 
W.  H.  Weil,  Sub-Chairman. 
E.  E.  Roan,  Wm.  P.  Shannon,  Scott  W.  Frymiere. 

271 


S.  Y.  Division. 
S.  W.  Dunlap,  Sub-Chairman. 
E.  B.  Chryst,  W.  W.  Davis. 

Mantua  Transfer. 
W.  H.  Barry,  Sub-Chairman. 

Fifty-second  Street  Freight  Station. 
E.  O.  Van  Houten,  Sub-Chairman. 

Superintendent's  Office — P.  T.  Division. 
W.  J.  Murdock,  Sub-Chairman. 
J.  W.  Brackin,  W.  B.  Harrar,  Somers  C.  Wright. 

J.  J.  Zell, 

New  York  Division. 

W.  R.  Reynolds,  Sub-Chairman. 
Wallace  W.  Johnson. 

Roundhouse  No.  2. 
A.  G.  Rietsch,  Sub-Chairman. 

Forty-sixth  Street  Roundhouse. 
Reuben  Pheneger,  Sub-Chairman. 
W.  E.  Flanagan,  Roscoe  C.  Edwards. 

Committeemen-at-Large. 
New  York  Division. 
T.  J.  Quintin,  C.  N.  Devenney,  Frank  Farrell, 

D.  W.  Kerr,  C.  H.  Downs,  Thos.  Rawlings. 

ScHUYi^KiLi,  Division. 
L.  H.  Rockey. 

Philadelphia  Division. 
H.  M.  Hinkle. 

Maryland  Division. 
F.  E.  Morgan. 

Philadelphia  Terminal  Division. 
Geo.  M.  Johnson,  Chas.  O'Neill,  Dennis  McBrearty 

Wm.  Neblie,  Jacob  P.  Leslie,  R.  M.  Smith. 

Frank  Abel,  J.  E.  Deisem, 

272 


H.  P.  Pearl, 


Purchasing  Committee. 

Geo.  H.  Grone,  Chairman. 

W.  H.  M.  Thomas,        T.  C.  Wells. 


Religious  Meetings  Committee. 
D.  W.  Freas,  Chairman. 


Wm.  T.  Adams, 
A,  T.  Loughead, 
Jas.  A.  Ritter, 
W.  H.  George, 
Harry  L.  Adkins, 


Sunday  Meetings. 

Frank  Farrell, 
Chas.  B.  Laux, 
D.  W.  Kerr, 
I.  C.  Sithens, 
B.  F.  Collier, 


H.  M.  Hinkle, 
Alfred  McMinn, 
R.  J.  McClain, 
H.  F.  K,  Galloway. 


E.  B.  Chryst, 
W.  J.  Murdock, 
M.  J.  Strock, 
J.  A.  Ritter, 


Sunday  Ushers. 

D.  Mansfield,  Jr.,  Chairman. 

H,  Deringer,  J.  M.  Jones, 

W.  D.  Price,  Frank  T.  Roberts, 

A.  S.  Willey,  T.  J.  Smith, 

A.  T.  Longhead,  T.  B.  Essick. 


G.  H.  Hungerford, 
J.  A.  Keesberry, 


Annex  Meetings. 

Commitieemen-at-Large. 

F.  P.  Hand, 
W.  J.  Peebles, 


W.  W.  Morris. 


H.  W.  Burkhart, 
F.  Quandt, 


Shop  Meetings. 

Peter  F.  Rule,  Chairman. 

E.  E.  Roan,  Chas.  Peterson, 

Thos.  B.  Angeroth,       E.  E.  North. 


Wm.  T.  Adams, 
T.  J.  Quintin, 


Sick  Visitation  Committee. 

T.  B.  Essick,  Chairman. 

Frank  Farrell,  Alfred  McMinn. 

A.  T.  Longhead, 

273 


Social  Committee. 


Reception  Committee. 
S.  D.  Mansfield,  Jr.,  Chairman. 


C.  G.  Baker, 
Henry  Deringer, 
G.  W.  Gill, 
H.  L.  Brown, 
J.  A.  Ritter, 
T.  J.  Smith, 
W.  J.  Lyshon, 
Jos.  C.  Brown, 
C.  E.  Robinson, 
Geo.  Edw.  Dignan, 


E.  B.  Chryst, 
J.  O.  Frazee, 
W.  H.  Musser, 
Edw.  Meade, 
Leo  Brown, 
Wm.  J.  Smith, 
Wm.  Whittley, 
Donald  Demmy, 
Walter  H.  Huff, 
Chas.  V.  Magann, 


Wm.  D.  Carson, 
Samuel  Dunlap, 
W.  J.  Murdock, 
W.  D.  Price, 
W.  Burton  Richards, 
M.  J.  Strock, 
J.  E.  Roche, 
Jas.  McKnight, 
O.  F.  Benjamin, 
G.  B.  Zane,  Jr. 


W.  A.  Custer, 


Checker  and  Chess  Committee. 

W.  H.  George. 


Night  Men's  Social  Committee. 
M.  J.  Hackett,  Chairman. 

Boys'  Advisory  Committee. 

Religious — ^Wm.  G.  Wilson. 

Entertainment — H.  Craig  Morse. 

Outing — L.  Morton  Barry. 

Decorating — Newton  Alexander. 

Social — Alford  Otto. 

Knights  of  Triangle — Edward  Shuster. 

Games — Arch  Frazier. 

Library — George  Provost. 

Membership — James  M.  Johnson. 

Working  Boys — ^A.  Harry  Helker. 

Athletic — ^Wm.  A.  Werntz. 

House — Marshall  Duff. 

Mystic  Midgets  ^Albert  S.  W.  Rawcliffe. 

Gymnasium — George  Phillips,  Jr. 

Com,missary — Robert  L.  Megee. 


274 


Wm. 
Jos.  T.  Berry, 
John  M.  Sturgis, 
Leo.  Brown, 
Harry  Brooks, 
Wm.  J.  Lyshon, 
Leo.  Webber, 
Lester  Carlton, 


Poster  Club. 

Edw.  Meade,  President. 
D.  Carson,  Secretary-Treasurer. 

W.  R.  Flounders,  Jr.,   Elwood  Maloney, 
Russell  Freas,  Geo.  G.  Brooks, 

Edw.  Dignan,  Chas.  Sweeney, 

Clyde  G.  Baker,  Geo.  F.  Folcher, 

C.  Nelson  Smitheman,  Earl  C.  Emery, 
W.  T.  Myers,  Jos.  Roseboro, 

Chas.  V.  Magann,  Chas.  A.  Mann,  Jr. 


Woman's  Auxiliary. 

Mrs.  Frank  Farrell,  President. 
Mrs.  A.  M.  Meade,  Secretary. 
Mrs.  James  A.  Ritter,  Treasurer. 


275 


BY-LAWS 

OF 

The  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Department 

Young  Men's  Christian  Association, 

OF  Philadelphia. 


Organized  November  18,  1886. 

Adopted  by  the  Committee  of  Management  April  6,  1908. 

Approved  by  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 

of  Philadelphia  April  15,  1908. 


Article  1. 
Name  and  Object. 

The  name  of  the  organization  shall  be  The  Pennsylvania 
Railroad  Department,  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
OF  Philadelphia,  hereinafter  called  "  the  Department, "  and  its 
object  shall  be  to  carry  out  the  principles  of  the  Young  Men's  Chris- 
tian Association  among  the  employes  of  The  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
Company  and  affiliated  companies. 

Article  II. 
Relation  to  the  Association. 

The  Department  shall  be  subject  to  the  regulations  of  the 
Young  Men's  Chris ti?n  Association  of  Philadelphia,  an  associa- 
tion incorporated  under  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
the  Constitution  of  the  said  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of 
Philadelphia  is  hereby  adopted. 

Article  III. 

Membership. 

Section  1.  Employes  of  The  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company, 
or  of  its  leased  or  controlled  lines,  or  of  companies  having  operating 
contracts  in  connection  with  such  railroad  companies  (for  example, 
express,  telegraph,  parlor  and  sleeping  car  and  news  companies,  as 
well  as  United  States  Railway  Mail  Service),  or  the  sons  of  such 
employes,  are  entitled  to  membership. 

Sec.  2.  There  shall  be  five  classes  of  membership,  namely. 
Senior,  Intermediate,  Junior,  Contributing  and  Women's  Auxiliary. 

276 


Sec.  3.  Senior  members  shall  be  nineteen  years  of  age  or  over 
and  employes  or  sons  of  employes  of  companies  as  stated  in  Section  1. 
They  shall  have  all  the  privileges  of  the  Department,  embracing 
the  facilities  at  the  Main  Building  at  41st  Street  and  Westminster 
Avenue,  the  Broad  Street  Station  Annex  at  15th  and  Filbert  Streets, 
the  Athletic  Field  at  44th  Street  and  Parkside  Avenue,  the  Seashore 
House  at  Ocean  City,  N.  J.,  and  also  Dwight  Farms,  Downingtown, 
Pa.  They  shall  have  the  right  to  vote  and  hold  office,  subject  to  the 
regulations  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia. 
The  dues  of  this  class  shall  be  Five  Dollars  ($5)  per  year. 

Sec.  4.  Intermediate  members  shall  be  sixteen  years  of  age  or 
over  and  less  than  nineteen  years  of  age,  and  shall  be  entitled  to 
such  privileges  as  the  Committee  of  Management  may  prescribe, 
and  shall  not  have  the  right  to  vote  or  hold  office,  except  in  commit- 
tees appointed  from  this  class  of  membership.  The  dues  of  this 
class  shall  be  Five  Dollars  ($5)  per  year. 

Sec.  5.  Junior  members  shall  be  nine  years  of  age  or  over  and 
less  than  sixteen  years  of  age,  and  shall  be  entitled  to  such  privi- 
leges as  the  Committee  of  Management  may  prescribe,  and  shall 
not  have  the  right  to  vote  or  hold  office,  except  in  committees  appoint- 
ed from  this  class  of  membership.  The  dues  of  this  class  shall  be 
Two  Dollars  ($2)  per  year. 

Sec.  6.  Contributing  members  shall  be  composed  of  such  friends 
of  the  Association,  not  entitled  to  membership  under  the  provisions 
of  Section  1,  who  may  be  designated  by  the  General  Chairman  for 
this  class  of  membership  by  reason  of  substantial  aid  rendered.  They 
shall  have  all  privileges  of  the  Department  except  the  right  to  vote 
or  hold  office.  No  dues  shall  be  charged  this  class  of  membership 
beyond  the  annual  contributions  made  by  them. 

Sec.  7.  The  Women's  Auxiliary  shall  be  composed  of  the  wives, 
daughters  and  female  members  of  the  immediate  families  of  those 
entitled  to  membership  under  the  provisions  of  Section  1,  and  of 
female  employes  of  companies  enumerated  in  said  section.  They 
shall  have  such  privileges  of  the  Department  as  may  be  prescribed 
by  the  Committee  of  Management,  and  shall  not  have  the  right  to 
vote  or  hold  office,  except  in  said  Auxiliary.  They  shall  pay  such 
dues  as  may  be  prescribed  by  the  Auxiliary,  and  approved  by  the 
Committee  of  Management. 

Sec.  8.  Any  member  in  arrears  for  annual  dues  shall  be  de- 
barred from  the  rights  and  privileges  of  membership. 

277 


Article  IV. 
Management. 

Section  1.  The  management  of  the  Department  shall  be 
vested  in  a  Committee  of  Management  of  not  less  than  thirty  mem- 
bers. This  Committee  shall  be  appointed  annually  by  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia — 
subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  said  Associa- 
tion— from  among  the  Senior  members  of  the  Department.  They 
shall  serve  for  one  year  or  until  their  successors  shall  have  been  ap- 
pointed. 

There  shall  also  be  appointed  annually,  in  the  same  manner, 
an  Advisory-  Committee  of  five  or  more  persons,  who  shall  be  con- 
nected with  The  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  and  who  shall 
be  ehgible  to  Senior  membership  in  the  Association,  and  whose 
ad\-ice  may  be  sought  on  matters  affecting  the  interests  of  the 
Department.  They  shall  serve  for  one  year  or  until  their  successors 
shall  have  been  appointed. 

Sec.  2.  The  fiscal  year  of  the  Department  shall  commence 
January  1st. 

Sec.  3.  At  the  January  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Manage- 
ment, called  for  the  purpose  of  organization,  there  shall  be  chosen 
from  its  number,  by  ballot,  a  General  Chairman,  three  Vice -Chairmen, 
a  Recording  Secretary  and  a  Treasurer,  whose  duties  shall  be  as 
hereinafter  pro\-ided.  They  shall  hold  ofiice  for  one  year  or  until 
their  successors  shall  have  been  elected.  Any  vacancies  occurring 
in  the  Committee  of  Management,  or  in  the  ofl&ces  thereof,  may  be 
filled  for  the  unexpired  term  by  the  Committee  of  Management, 
notice  of  which  action  shall  be  forwarded  to  the  Board  of  Directors 
of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia. 

Sec.  4.  The  Committee  of  Management  shall,  in  the  month 
of  January-  of  each  year,  submit  to  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia,  for  its  approval, 
its  budget  of  estimated  receipts  and  expenditures  for  the  ensuing 
year. 

Sec.  5.  The  General  Chairman  of  the  Department  shall  pre- 
side at  the  meetings  of  the  Department  and  of  the  Committee  of 
Management.  He  shall,  after  consultation  with  the  General  Secre- 
tan.',  appoint  all  committees  of  the  Committee  of  Management  and 
of  the  Department.  He  shall  be,  ex  officio,  a  member  of  all  com- 
mittees, with  the  right  to  vote. 

278 


Sec.  6.  The  Vice-Chairmen  shall,  in  the  absence  of  the  General 
Chairman,  in  the  order  of  their  seniority,  preside  at  the  meetings 
of  the  Department  and  of  the  Committee  of  Management,  and  per- 
form such  other  duties  as  the  Committee  of  Management  may  from 
time  to  time  authorize. 

Sec.  7.  The  General  Secretary  of  the  Department  shall  be 
selected  by  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  of  Philadelphia  and  the  Committee  of  Management  of 
the  Department.  His  title  shall  be  "General  Secretary,  The  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad  Department,  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
of  Philadelphia."  He  shall  have  charge  of  the  general  work  of  the 
Department,  conduct  all  correspondence  thereof  and  revise  all 
printed  matter  issued  thereby.  He  shall  attend  the  meetings  of  the 
Committee  of  Management  and  of  the  committees  thereof,  and  of 
the  committees  of  the  Department,  and  shall  be,  ex  officio,  a  mem- 
ber of  all  committees,  with  the  right  to  vote.  He  shall  attend  at  the 
several  buildings  and  grounds  at  the  hours  fixed  by  the  Committee 
of  Management,  and  shall  be  while  there  the  executive  officer  of 
the  Department  in  respect  to  all  matters  which  have  been  determined 
by  the  Committee  of  Management  or  General  Chairman  of  the 
Department.  He  shall,  subject  to  the  needs  of  the  various  com- 
mittees, fix  the  hours  of  attendance  at  the  several  buildings  and 
grounds  of  the  employes  of  the  Department.'  He  shall  make  a 
monthly  report  to  the  General  Chairman  for  the  information  of  the 
Committee  of  Management.  The  General  Secretary  may,  with  the 
approval  of  the  General  Chairman,  employ  such  assistant  secretaries 
and  employes  as  may  be  necessary,  any  such  increase  in  the  Depart- 
ment force  to  be  reported  at  the  first  meeting  of  the  Committee  of 
Management  held  thereafter. 

Sec.  8.  The  Recording  Secretary  shall  keep  careful  minutes 
of  the  meetings  of  the  Committee  of  Management  and  of  the  meetings 
of  the  Department  in  books  provided  for  the  purpose.  He  shall 
notify,  in  writing,  the  members  of  the  Committee  of  Management 
and  the  President  and  General  Secretary  of  the  Young  Men's  Chris- 
tian Association  of  Philadelphia  of  all  meetings  of  the  Committee 
of  Management,  and  perform  such  other  duties  as  may  be  assigned 
to  him  by  said  Committee. 

Sec.  9.  The  Treasurer  shall  have  charge  of  all  funds  of  the 
Department,  which  he  shall  keep  in  a  separate  bank  account,  as 
Treasurer,  in  a  depository  to  be  approved  by  the  Committee  of 
Management.     He  shall  pay  all  demands  against  the  Department 

279 


upon  vouchers  properly  certified  by  the  Finance  Committee  and 
General  Secretary,  He  shall  report,  in  writing,  monthly  to  the 
Committee  of  Management  the  receipts,  expenditures  and  obliga- 
tions, and  submit  an  annual  report  of  receipts  and  expenditures 
at  the  January  meeting.  His  accounts,  reports  and  vouchers  shall 
be  transmitted  to  the  Auditing  Committee  of  the  Department 
immediately  after  the  close  of  each  year. 

ArticIvE  V. 
Meetings. 

Section  1.  Special  meetings  of  the  Department  shall  be 
called  by  the  General  Chairman  at  the  written  request  of  fifty 
Senior  members  or  by  order  of  the  Committee  of  Management, 
notice  being  given  on  the  bulletin-boards  of  the  Department  at 
least  one  week  in  advance,  specifying  the  object  of  the  meeting. 
No  business  shall  be  transacted  at  a  special  meeting  except  that  for 
which  the  call  is  issued. 

Sec.  2.  At  all  meetings  of  the  Department  one  hundred  Senior 
members  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 

Sec.  3.  The  Committee  of  Management  shall  meet  quarterly, 
in  January,  April,  July  and  October. 

Sec.  4.  Special  meetings  of  the  Committee  of  Management 
may  be  called  by  the  General  Chairman,  or  he  shall  call  such  meet- 
ings upon  the  written  request  of  seven  members  of  said  Committee, 
specifying  the  object  of  the  meeting,  which  shall  be  incorporated  in 
the  notice  to  each  member  of  the  Committee.  No  business  shall 
be  transacted  at  a  special  meeting  except  that  for  which  the  call  is 
issued. 

Sec.  5.  At  all  meetings  of  the  Committee  of  Management  ten 
members  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 

Sec.  6.  The  order  of  business  at  all  regular  meetings  of  the 
Committee  of  Management  shall  be  as  follows: 

1.  Prayer. 

2.  Roll  call. 

3.  Reading  of  minutes  of  previous  meeting. 

4.  Report  of  Treasurer. 

5.  Reports  of  Committees. 

6.  Report  of  General  Secretary. 

7.  Unfinished  business. 

8.  New  business. 

9.  Adjourn  with  prayer. 

280 


Article  VI. 
Committees. 

Section  1.  The  General  Chairman  shall  have  authority  to 
appoint  such  standing  committees  as  in  his  judgment  are  deemed 
advisable  in  the  interest  of  the  Department,  said  committees  to  be 
composed  of  members  of  the  Department.  They  shall  serve  for  a 
period  of  one  year  or  until  their  successors  shall  have  been  appointed. 

Sec.  2.  All  committees  shall  notify  the  General  Chairman  and 
General  Secretary  of  the  Department  of  their  meetings. 

Sec.  3.  All  committees  shall  be  required  to  make  full  reports 
to  the  Committee  of  Management  when  requested  to  do  so. 

Sec.  4.  All  committees  shall  remit  all  moneys  received  by  them 
to  the  Treasurer,  the  expenses  in  cormection  with  their  operations 
to  be  paid  by  voucher  upon  proper  certification  of  bills. 

Article  VII. 
Amendments. 

These  By-Laws  may  be  altered  or  amended  by  a  vote  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  members  of  the  Committee  of  Management  present  at 
any  regular  meeting,  provided  such  alteration  or  amendment  shall 
have  been  proposed  at  a  previous  meeting,  and  further  provided, 
that  no  change  shall  be  effective  until  approved  by  the  Board  of 
Directors  of  the  Young  Men 's  Christian  Association  of  Philadelphia. 


281 


INDEX. 


Adams  Express  Company,                                                            pagb 
interest  in  work  of  the  Department 250 

Air-Brake  Class 

organized 143 

Articles 

placed  in  corner-stone 54 

Athletic, 

Pennsylvania  Association ^73,  74 

Department  Field  opened 74 

"      changed... 202 

facilities  of,  and  regulations  for  Field 203, 204 


Banjo  Club 

organized 119 

Barron,  W.  H., 

appointed  on  First  Committee  of  Management 12 

Bartlett,  George  C,  Jr., 

appointed  Financial  Secretary - 118 

elected  General  Secretary 118 

characteristics  of - -.  118 

appointed  Secretary  Junior  Department-. -.  133 

address  on  principles  of  Junior  Department 188-192 

Barton,  George, 

Chairman  Reception  and  Entertainment... 9 

Beatty,  Robert  S., 

elected  Fourth  Vice-Chairman 98 

BowEN,  W.  A., 

President  of  second  preliminary  meeting 11 

Broad  Street  Station  Annex, 

provided  for,  and  opening  of 200,  201 

J.  W.  Sims  assigned  as  Secretary  of 201 

283 


o 

Cadwallader,  Charles  G.,  page 

appointed  on  first  Committee  of  Management 12 

elected  Vice-Chairman  of  Department 13 

appointed  Chairman  of  Finance  Committee 13 

elected  Chairman  of  Department 32,  41 

elected  Second  Vice-Chairman 45 

death  of -  236 

Caldwell,  D.  B., 

address  of,  at  International  Conference 165,  166 

Cass  ATT,  Alexander  J., 

elected  Member  of  Advisory  Board 119 

in  sympathy  and  accord  with  the  work 161 

attends  International  Conference - 167 

plans  for  "Annex" 200,  201 

death  of - 217 

sketch  of 217-220 

memorial  service  for 220-223 

resolutions  on  death  of 224 

Caum,  James, 

appointed  on  first  Committee  of  Management 12 

Choral  Society 

formed 119 

Cleveland,  Grover, 

address  of,  in  Auditorium 207-214 

Cole,  Charles  E., 

elected  General  Secretary 13 

Committee  of  Management, 

first  appointed - - 12 

organization  of 13 

Committeemen's  Teas, 

inauguration  of - 94 

Conner,  H.  P., 

elected  Treasurer 151 

Converse,  John  H., 

remarks  of,  on  opening  of  enlarged  building. 116 

Corner-Stone 

of  Main  Building  laid 53-56 

284 


Cottage  at  Dwight  Farms,  page 

memorial  to  John  Linn  Patton 197-199 

CuYLER,  T.  De  Witt, 

address  of,  on  receiving  keys  of  Main  Building 61 


ID 
De  Armond,  W.  C, 

elected  Vice-President 9 

Department,  P.  R.  R.  Y.  M.  C.  A., 

first  organization  of 9 

disbanded 10 

revival  of  organization  of _ 10 

initiative  of  second  organization  of 11 

second  organization  of 12 


large  building  suggested  for 34 

for,  plans  adopted - 42 

architect  appointed 42 

contract  for  building  let  by 50 

comer-stone  laid  for  building  for 54 

dedication  of  building  for 57-67 

description  of  building  for 57-59 

roster  of - 261-263 

organization  for  1910  of 264-275 

By-Laws  of _ _ 276-281 

Membership  privileges  in 282 

Dirt, 

first  shovelful  of,  taken  from  excavation  for  building... 50 

DOCKENDORF,  S.  H., 

Chairman  Finance  Committee 9 

Douglas,  Walter  C, 

address  of,  at  opening  of  3607  Haverford  Avenue 25-27 

"     "  dedication  of  Main  Building 66 

letter  of,  commending  progress  of  Department 130 

"      "    relative  to  International  Conference 160 

address  of  welcome  to  International  Conference 164, 165 

letter  of,  relative  to  Memorial  Cottage  at  Dwight  Farms 199 

characteristics  of 200 

address  on  death  of  A.  J.  Cassatt 221,  222 

tribute  paid  to  William  A.  Patton 235 

285 


DwiGHT  Farms,  pagb 

description  of  John  lyinn  Patton  Memorial  at 197-199 

description  of 199 


Erdman,  Rev.  Charles  R., 

sketch  of _ .67-69 

ministrations  of,  began. 81 

address  of,  congratulations  for  work  of  1895 110-112 

remarks  of,  on  opening  of  enlarged  building 116,  117 

Evans,  Nelson, 

address  of,  at  opening  of  3607  Haverford  Avenue 27 

Everett,  Deloss, 

appointed  on  first  Committee  of  Management 12 

Prayer  of,  at  opening  of  3607  Haverford  Avenue 15 

Remarks  of,  at  opening  of  3607  Haverford  Avenue 28 

retired  from  service. 31 


Financial  Secretary, 

Warner  R.  Thomas  appointed  as .- 81 

resigned       "  .. 118 

George  C.  Bartlett,  Jr.,  appointed 118 


G- 
George,  William  H., 

elected  Recording  Secretary 38 

resigned  as  Chairman  of  Religious  Work 129 

Glasenapp,  Paul, 

address  of,  on  arrangement  for  care  of  employes  on  German 
railways 178-180 

Government 

of  Department  by  Committee -..     95 

Green,  Capt.  John.  P., 

address  of,  before  International  Conference 168-170 

286 


Grone,  George  H.,  page 

elected  Chairman 38 

report  of,  for  1891 39-41 

elected  Fourth  Vice-Chairman 45 

«       Second  "  236 


Hait,  John, 

appointed  on  first  Committee  of  Management , 12 

elected  Recording  Secretary.. 13 

appointed  Chairman  Lecture  Committee. 13 

Hammersley,  William, 

address  of,  on  behalf  of  Library 97,  98 

Hannum,  Reese  L., 

appointed  on  first  Committee  of  Management 12 

Hassell,  C.  W., 

Chairman  Christian  Work 9 

Haverford  Street,  3607, 

building  at,  leased 13 

Department  opened  at 14 

opening  ceremonies  at -. 14-31 

room  inadequate  at 33 

removal  from.. - 51-53 

Hendley,  Roger, 

death  of... 236 

Herring,  J.  Q.  A., 

elected  Third  Vice-Chairman. 45 

resignation  of 119 

HicKEY,  Yates, 

General  Secretary 10 

Hodge,  J.  M., 

appointed  on  first  Committee  of  Management 12 

elected  Treasurer 13 

Hoot,  H.  W., 

appointed  on  Committee  of  Management 31 

"  Committee  to  secure  better  quarters 33 

287 


n 


I 

Inter-Department  Athletic  Leagues                                    page 
formed... 203 

International  Conference - 154-188 

entertainment  of  delegates  to 155 

Woman's  Auxiliary  work  during.. 156 

committees  to  carry  out  plans  for 156-159 

letter  of  Walter  C.  Douglas  relative  to 160 

«      "    William  A.  Patton        "        "   160,  161 

«      "  Alexander  J.  Cassatt     "        "   161 

opening  of 162-165 

Charles  K.  Pugh's  address  of  welcome  to.. 163,  164 

address  of  D.  B.  Caldwell  before 165,  166 

"         "  Captain  John  P.  Green  before 168-170 

Madam  Schidlovsky  read  paper  to,  on  mutual  help  and  co- 
operation stores  on  Russian  railways 171,  172 

address  to,  of  Nicholas  A.  Reitlinger  on  measures  in  interest 

of  employes  on  Russian  railways 172-178 

address  to,  of  Paul  Glasenapp  on  arrangements  for  care  of  em- 
ployes on  German  railways 178-180 

special  meeting  of  Woman's  Auxiliary  at 183 

William  B.  Wilson's  farewell  address  to 184 

address  to,  by  John  Wanamaker 185 

excursion  to  Atlantic  City  by  delegates  to 185-187 

effect  of  the 188 


0" 
Junior  Department, 

formation  of.... 30 

reception  held  for .-. 67 

entertainment  for 81 

organized. 132 

George  C.  Bartlett,  Jr.,  appointed  Secretary  of 133 

first  Seashore  Camp  of. 133,  134 

banquet  held  by 142 

description  of  Seashore  Camp  of 147,  148 

activity  of,  at  International  Conference 188 

plan  for  conducting  work  of.... 188-192 

the  Seashore  House  for 204-206 

288 


Justice,  Jefferson,  page 

presents  loving-cup  to  William  A.  Patton  and  reviews  decade's 

work 229-231 

elected  First  Vice-Chairman 236 


Keesberry,  J.  A., 
chosen  Secretary  of  second  meeting  preparatory  to  second 

organization 11 

appointed  on  first  Committee  of  Management 12 

elected  Chairman  of  Department 13 

address  of,  on  opening  of  3607  Haverford  Street. ..- 16,  17 

resigned  as  Chairman  and  elected  as  General  Secretary 32 

"  General  Secretary 33 

appointed  Treasurer 38 

appointed  to  organize  Junior  Department 132 

KiLLEY,  Mrs.  E.  W., 

elected  President  of  Woman's  Auxiliary 39 

Knapp,  Charles, 

appointed  on  first  Committee  of  Management 12 


Lane,  Justus, 

appointed  on  first  Committee  of  Management 12 

IvATTa,  William  J., 

appointed  on  Advisory  Board... -.- 13 

remarks  of,  at  opening  of  3607  Haverford  Street 28 

objects  to  independent  organization 33 

suggests  erection  of  large  building..... 34 

personal  characteristics  of 34 

elected  Chairman 45 

master  of  ceremonies  at  laying  of  corner-stone 54 

presides  at  dedication  of  Main  Building 57 

address  of,  presenting  keys 60,  61 

"         "     to  Committee  of  Management,  1894 75-80 

report  of,  for  1894 82,  89 

remarks  of,  at  annual  meeting,  1895 110 

address  of,  at  flag-raising 135-136 

resigns 148 

Department's  tribute  to 148,  149 

elected  honorary  member  of  Department , 151^ 

289 


Large  Building                                                                           page 
suggested 34 

Library, 

Miss  Abbie  Parker  appointed  Librarian  of... 81 

address  of  William  Hammersley  on  behalf  of.... 97,  98 

John  Linn  Patton  Memorial  Library  presented  to... 206 

LoNSDAivE,  Thomas  P., 

plans  of,  for  Main  Building  adopted 42 


McBuRNEY,  R.  R., 

address  of,  at  opening  of  3607  Haverford  Street _ 22,  23 

McClvEIvLAN,  J.  L., 

appointed  on  first  Committee  of  Management 12 

McConaughy,  SamueIv  J., 

elected  General  Secretary.. 118 

characteristics  of. 119 

McCrea,  James, 

letter  of,  commending  the  work 227 

McMiNN,  Alfred, 

appointed  on  first  Committee  of  Management 12 

Main  Building, 

suggestion  for 34 

organization  to  secure 34 

grounds  for,  dedicated  to  by  P.  R.  R.  Co... 34-37 

appropriation  by  P.  R.  R.  Co.  for 37 

appointment  of  Building  Committee  for 38 

adoption  of  plans  for 42 

campaign  to  raise  funds  for 42-44 

contract  let  for  erection  of 50 

first  shovel  of  dirt  for  excavation  for,  cast... 50 

laying  the  corner-stone  of 53-56 

description  of. 57-59 

dedication  of 57-67 

thrown  open  to  public 63 

extension  of 112-114 

formal  opening  of  enlarged 115 

contributions  for  enlarged 117 

cost  of 124 

allotment  of  rooms  in 125 

290 


Marshall,  J.  R.  G.,                                                                      page 
elected  Treasurer 9 

Mechanical  Instruction  Class 

instituted 192 

commendations  of 193,  194 

Menges,  Rev.  J.  H., 

address  of,  at  opening  of  3607  Haverford  Street 28,  29 

Missionary  Work 

carried  on  by  Extension  Committee 226,  227 

Morris,  Wister, 

appointed  to  confer  on  first  organization 10 

"  member  of  Advisory  Board 13 

address  of,  at  opening  of  3607  Haverford  Street 30 

MuLTER,  W.  N., 

elected  General  Secretary 33 

report  of,  for  1895 101-110 

resigned 118 

Myers,  Theodore  A., 

appointed  on  first  Committee  of  Management 12 

News,  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Men's, 

life  and  functions  of 32 

Parker,  Miss  Abbie, 

appointed  Librarian 81 

Patton,  John  Linn, 

Memorial  Cottage 197 

Memorial  Library 206 

Patton,  William  A., 

remarks  of,  at  opening  of  3607  Haverford  Street 28 

added  to  Committee  of  Management 31 

appointed  member  of  Advisory  Board 42 

elected  Chairman. 149 

characteristics  of 150 

letter  of,  relative  to  International  Conference 160,  161 

correspondence  of,  relative  to  Memorial  Cottage. 197-199 

presents  son's  collection  of  books  as  memorial 206 

remarks  of,  on  death  of  A.  J.  Cassatt 223 

presentation  of  loving-cup  to,  and  review  of  his  administra- 
tion  229-235 

291 


Philadelphia  &  Columbia  Railroad,  page 

completion  of „       7 

operation  of  trains  on 8 

Pipe  Organ 

presented  to  Department 206 

PuGH,  Charles  E., 

appointed  on  Advisory  Board 13 

letter  from,  read  at  opening  of  3607  Haverford  Street 17 

objects  to  independent  organization 33 

address  of,  welcoming  International  Conference 163,  164 

PuLLEN,  Joseph  W., 

elected  Recording  Secretary. 9 


Railroad  Employes, 

early,  where  recruited  from 7 

habits  of  early 8 

moral  restraint  of  early 8 

rules  of  discipline  for  early. 8 

early  organization  for  betterment  of 8 

supervision  of  Y.  M.  C.  A.  in  organization  of 8,  9 

conquering  effects  of  storm  by 140-142 

Railroad  Managers, 

early  attempts  of.  to  elevate  standard  of  men 7 

Railroad  Transportation  Class 

opened.... 224 

studies  pursued  in 224-226 

Reitlinger,  Nicholas  A., 

address  of,  on  measures  in  interest  of  employes  on  Russian 
railways 172-178 

Roberts,  George  B., 

letter  from,  read  at  opening  of  3607  Haverford  Street 17 

remarks  of,  at  laying  of  corner-stone 55 

address  of,  at  dedication  of  Main  Building.. 02,  63 

letter  of,  on  attitude  of  the  Railroad  towards  Christianity 96 

death  of 127 

sorrow  at  death  of 127,  128 

memorial  fund. .-.  128 

desk  of,  presented  to  Department - 128 

292 


s 

ScHiDLOVSKY,  Mrs.  Sophie,  page 

paper  on  mutual  help  and  co-operative  stores  on  Russian 
railways  read  by 171,  172 

Scott,  Thomas  A., 

subscription  by,  to  Y.  M.  C.  A.  railroad  organization 9 

Seashore  House, 

location  of,  and  donation  of  ground  for  the 204 

erection  and  description  of  the 205 

the  "Pennsy"  located  at  the 205 

attendance  of  Juniors  at  the 206 

Shortridge,  N.  Parker, 

appointed  to  Committee  of  Conference  on  first  organization...  10 

"         member  of  Advisory  Board 13 

address  of,  at  opening  of  3G07  Haverford  Street 29 

Silver  Trowel  and  Hammer 

presented  for  use  in  laying  corner-stone 55 

Sims,  Prof.  J.  W., 

appointed  Physical  Director 98 

assigned  as  Secretary  and  Physical  Director  at  Broad  Street 

Station  Annex 201 

Smitherman,  E.  W., 

elected  Corresponding  Secretary 9 

Spanish  War, 

flag-raising. 134-136 

StackhousE,  James  S., 

appointed  on  first  Committee  of  Management 12 

"           Chairman  of  Executive  Committee... 14 

"           on  Committee  to  secure  better  quarters 33 

"           Chairman  of  Building  Committee 38 

elected  Vice-Chairman 41 

Stauffer,  John  B., 

elected  Treasurer 45 

deposits  articles  in  corner-stone 54 

resigned,  and  Department's  tribute  to 151 


T 
Thomas,  Warner  R., 

appointed  Financial  Secretary _ 81 

resigned  as       "  "  118 

293 


Thomson,  Frank,  page 

death  of,  and  resolutions  of  respect --.145,  146 

TOWSON,  Ch ARISES  R., 

elected  General  Secretary - -— 131 

sketch  of 131 

resignation  of,  and  tribute  to - 215-217 


Vandergrift,  George  J., 

presents  silver  hammer  for  use  in  corner-stone  laying 55 

Van  Houten,  Charles  T., 

appointed  Chairman  Membership  Committee 9 

Van  Houten,  Thomas  L., 

appointed  Assistant  Treasurer 9 

VooRHEES,  Theodore, 

address  of,  at  opening  of  3607  Haverford  Street 18-22 


WaIvKER,  Rev.  Dr.  J.  G., 
speaks  at  dedication  ceremonies 66 

Wanamaker,  John, 

address  of,  at  International  Conference 185 

Warfare 
against  the  elements 140-142 

Webb,  J.  C, 
presents  silver  trowel  for  use  in  corner-stone  laying 55 

White,  Stephen  W., 

appointed  on  Advisory  Board 13 

Wilson,  William  Bender, 

elected  Treasurer 41 

"        First  Vice-Chairman - - 45 

address  of,  before  educational  classes 51-53 

"        "    at  dedication  on  Railroad  Association  work ...64-66 

"        "    farewell,  to  International  Conference  - 184 

sketch  of - 257-260 

294 


WiMER,  W.  W.,  PAGE 

elected  President 9 

Woman's  Auxiliary, 

formation  of 30 

officers  of,  for  1899 139 

reception  given  to 144 

work  done  by,  during  International  Conference 156 

hold  special  meeting  at  "  "         183 

Work,  The, 

future  of 125-127 

accomplished 251 


295 


MEMBERSHIP  PRIVILEGES. 


Annex, 

15th  and  Filbert  (9th  floor). 

Air-Brake  Room. 
Athletic  Field, 

Parkside  Ave.  and  44th  St. 

Bowling  Alleys. 

Bible  Study  Clubs  and  Classes. 

Brass  Band, 

Central  Branch, 

Senior  Tickets. 
Choral  Society. 
Chess  and  Checker  Club. 
Country  Club, 

Downingtown. 

Depository    P.    R.    R.    Saving 
Fund. 

Educational  Classes  and  Clubs. 

Fishing  Parties. 

Gymnasiums — ^Two, 

Junior  Department 
(Sons  of  Employes). 

Library — 9000  Volumes. 


Mechanical  Instruction 
Department. 

Main  Building, 

41st  St.  and  Westminster  Ave. 
Needle  Baths. 
Physical  Instruction, 

Classes  and  Personal. 

Pool  Tables. 

Reading  Rooms. 

Steel  Lockers. 

Shower  Baths. 

Shooting  Gallery. 

Shuffleboards, 

Star  Course. 

Social  Events. 

Stenography. 

Seashore  House, 
Ocean  City,  N.  J. 

Sunday  Meetings. 

Typewriting. 

Telephone  Connections. 

Telegraphy. 


296 


Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Libraries 


1012 


01234  4455 


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